Two Are One

A great give a way

2010-09-17T17:00:00.001-04:00

My friend Suzie Eller had the devotion for the Proverbs 31 Ministry today. It was awesome by the way. She had a follow-up post on her blog and is giving away 100 copies of her book!!
Hop over and get in on the fun.
Thanks for being obedient Suzie.

Blessings,

A great opportunity for speaking training

2010-09-13T21:58:00.003-04:00

Do you teach a small group or speak to full arenas? It really doesn't matter, because all we God-girls who desire to make Jesus famous want to make our messages clear, sharp and effective.

Amy Carroll and Karen Ehman have teamed in Next Step Speaker Services to give individual support, encouragement and feedback to speakers in any setting.

Next Step Speaker Services can help you with:

Message Development

Message Evaluation
Creating Compelling Marketing
Ministry Organization

So check out the Next Step Speaker Website which includes a place to subscribe to a free weekly speaking tip.

Amy or Karen would love a chance to curl up in a cozy chair with some coffee and chat with you about your next step in speaking ministry. Also, don't miss the opportunity to win a free service of your choice with a value up to $195 if you subscribe or fill out a survey!!

Blessings,

A different Season

2010-08-08T21:41:00.002-04:00

Hi to everyone. I know it has been a while since I have posted. I apologize. It has been an interesting year at our household since She Speaks 2009. I wrestled with God on stepping back and entering a quiet season. I fought it all the way to She Speaks 2010.

Now that this years conference has passed, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am to step back for a season and be with my husband and kids. This means no speaking and very little working outside the house. I say very little because, I am still going to do the four or five medical screenings with the retired NFL players to keep my skills up to date. I am a firm believer in not giving the enemy a place to creep in, and if I were to loose my working skills and Allan's company hit a down time it could be difficult to help.

I would ask for your prayers at this time to really be content with the place I am walking through and to receive all that God needs to impart in me.

I am continually praying for all of you. I will post periodically to update and share what I am learning.

Blessings,

The Mailbox; A novel by Marybeth Whalen

2010-06-04T09:11:00.002-04:00

I am including a video clip about Marybeth Whalen's new and first fiction novel. I was able to get a copy from her to take with me on our beach trip this week. My daughter grabbed it from me and would not put it down. She read it in 2 days. I was next and read it in one sitting. It has been passed through many of our group here at the beach house. Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed the book, including my 14 year old son...

I recommend getting a copy.

I am leaving my copy here at the beach rental house for the next visitors to enjoy.

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Some other ideas to get to She Speaks

2010-04-27T08:26:00.003-04:00

I am overwhelmed by all the comments and stories all of us recieved for the contest. My heart cries and would love to help each one get there. Congratulations to our winner (see the Proverbs 31 site).

Today Marybeth Whalen is running some ideas for raising funds to get to the conference. Click on her name and see what it up.

I am continuing to pray for each of you.

Blessings,

She Speaks Scholarship

2010-04-19T14:03:00.010-04:00

This is so exciting. We are doing a tour of blogs today to help you possibly fulfill your desire to be a speaker and attend She Speaks this year. We will share a little about how we knew we were called and what She Speaks was like for us, then leave us your comments.

It was 1996 and I had helped Lysa at a few speaking events, each time I would come away with a desire to do that too. God answered, Lysa asked me to consider helping with speaking, and said I would need some training. At that time She Speaks was not birthed yet. I attended CLASS along with my husband and we began speaking and teaching when the opportunities arose. When Proverbs developed She Speaks I was blown away by the way He ministered to me on a level much greater than just speaking tips. It has been an honor to be a part of this ministry and to see the way God has worked through all of the ladies. It gets better each year.

I found many resources to help along the way. One excellent resource is Marybeth Whalen's book. You can order this and many others at the Proverbs 31 Site.

Now its your turn. Briefly tell us what winning would mean to you in answering God's call to speak.

You have until midnight on Friday to post comments. Since all other scholarship “contests” have been for writers (Cec Murphey mentors writers), this one contest will be geared toward speakers.

Rules: This is for women who have never attended She Speaks. And, it is for women who would otherwise not be able to attend. If you can afford the conference – please do not enter to win a scholarship.

A winner will be randomly chosen from all comments. The winner will be announced on Monday.

Be sure to leave comments on everyone's blogs. Here is the list below.

Lysa www.lysaterkeurst.com

Wend B www.wendyblight.com

Shari www.sharibraendel.com

Micca www.miccacampbell.com

Whitney www.whitneycapps.blogspot.com

Amy www.amycarrollp31.blogspot.com

Melanie www.melaniechitwood.com

Lynn www.lynncowell.blogspot.com

Karen www.karenehman.com

Suzie www.tsuzanneeller.com

Zoe www.zoeelmore.blogspot.com

Sharon www.sharonglasgow.com

Charlene www.charlenekidd.blogspot.com

Tracie www.traciemiles.blogspot.com

Rachel www.rachelolsen.com

Wendy P www.wendypope.blogspot.com

Luann www.luannprater.com

Susanne www.susannescheppmann.blogspot.com

Renee www.reneeswope.com

Melissa www.melissataylor.org

Van www.vanwalton.blogspot.com

Marybeth www.marybethwhalen.com

Glynnis www.glynniswhitwer.blogspot.com

LeAnn www.leannrice.com

She Seeks www.sheseeks.org

She Reads www.shereads.org

RadRev www.radrevolution.org

Blessings,

Cool She Speaks Give A Way

2010-04-10T18:00:00.001-04:00

This is being featured on Glynnis's blog.

Have you ever had a dream?

A dream that you tucked deep in your heart, and were afraid to even speak it?

Every year women come to the Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks Conference <http://www.shespeaksconference.com/> with just such dreams. It may be a dream to write, or speak. It may be a dream to lead a women's Bible study, or start a ministry to unwed mothers.

As the director of the writer's track at She Speaks, I meet women every year who are wondering if they have what it takes to write. They might think the dream is foolish ... because who would read what they have to say? But the dream beats so hard in their chest they just had to come to the conference.

However, they tenderly protect that dream, even as they put themselves out there for all the world to see.

Is that you? Do you have a dream to write but haven't taken the first step?

Or have you been writing for awhile but know God is prompting you to take the next step in your writing journey?

Today, I have the privilege of announcing a contest to help someone take that next step of obedience in their dream to write.

Thanks to the generosity of author extraordinaire, Cecil Murphey, I will be giving away one scholarship to attend the She Speaks 2010 Conference, held

July 30-August 1 in Concord, North Carolina. If you haven't heard of Cecil

Murphy's amazing newsletters for writers, you'll want to click here <http://themanbehindthewords.com/> to subscribe for free! While you are there, spend some time reading about Cec. He's coming to the conference and will be speaking to all the writers, and meeting one-on-one for some informal coaching.

And to win it, all you have to do is write an article that would be appropriate for publication in the P31 Woman Magazine. We'll pick one article as the winner. In addition to winning the scholarship, we'll also publish that article in the magazine. Kind of like icing on the best cake you have ever eaten!

We may also select some honorable mentions, and will publish those if we do.

So - how do you win this amazing prize? Here are the rules for the She Speaks Scholarship Contest:

1. You must not have attended She Speaks in past years.

2. Write a 500-1000 word article that would be appropriate for publication in the P31 <http://www.proverbs31.org/p31womanmagazine/P31WomanMagazine.php>

Woman Magazine. See the guidelines on the link to the magazine, and see archived feature articles for a sample of our style.

3. Only enter one (1) article per person.

4. You can either attach the article in a Word document or include it in the email. Include a creative title and your name.

5. Email the article to me at editor@proverbs31 on or before Thursday April 15, 2010 at midnight.

6. If you have a blog, please help us promote the She Speaks Conference by writing about this contest and linking to the She Speaks Conference

<http://www.shespeaksconference.com/> site. If you want to post the She

Speaks button on your site, feel free to copy it. But it is not a requirement.

7. The winner of this contest will be awarded a scholarship for the cost of one person's registration for the 2010 She Speaks conference.

The value of this scholarship is $575 which includes your conference materials, conference registration, 2 nights at the conference hotel and meals associated with the conference. Please note it does not include any travel expenses. Also, you will be assigned a roommate or you have the option to pay the extra charge for a private room. This scholarship is transferable, but only for someone who has not attended the conference. It cannot be traded for cash.

Your article will be evaluated by the P31 Woman editing team, and we will announce the winner on April 21st.

This is the first year we have scholarships to offer, and we are thanking

God and Cecil Murphey for this opportunity. Please pray about what to

submit. And, if you aren't a writer, please send a note to someone you know who is.

Good luck to everyone.
Blessings,

A marriage call give away!!

2010-03-09T16:13:00.004-05:00

*Melanie Chitwood is giving away a two-part marriage conference call, "Building a Marriage that Will Last a Lifetime."*

She is giving away a free conference call, drawn from comments left through Weds 3/10 at 9pm. Hop over and leave your comments on Melanie's blog

If you don't win and want to be a part of this incredible teaching; here is how.

The call will be two parts, Thursday 3/18, 8-9 pm and Thursday 3/25, 8-9 pm (EST). The cost is $20 total.

You can register by calling Melissa at the Proverbs 31 Ministries office at this toll-free number: 1-877-731-4663.

It will be so much fun! Once you've registered, you'll be emailed a number that you can call, and then you listen as Melanie talks. There will be a time for interaction, or if you prefer, you don't have to talk at all.

I will be listening in too.

Blessings,

HIdden Treasures cont

2010-02-17T07:36:00.002-05:00

WOW. I was completely blow away with the comments on yesterdays post. I knew I was convicted but I had no idea what a chord it would strike. I so appreciate all of your stories.

I pray that each and everyone of us will tuck that word picture of looking for treasures in those around us into our hearts and be on the lookout all the time for the treasures God wants us to find.

I did the "random number" thingy and the winner is:
Kris
Lvnglyf73@aol.com
Kris, I will email you today so I can get your gifts mailed to you. Congratulations..

Thanks to everyone that participated in our carnival. I think it was a great success.

Blessings,

Celebrating Hidden Treasures

2010-02-12T19:42:00.009-05:00

I am so excited to share in the Proverbs 31 Carnival today. February 16, 2010. We are all sharing about different things we can or do celebrate. All of us are doing give-a-way's with them. I can't wait to see the results.

The celebration I want to talk about is the treasures we find in other people. Read this story below:

A man was exploring caves by the Seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him.

As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could. He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock .. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!

Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left.

Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!

It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it. We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.

There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.

May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.

When I read this story my heart was stirred. How many times have I been guilty of not seeing a person the way God see's them. Do I do that with myself as well? Do I even do that with my kids? A resounding "YES" penetrated my being.

I over look the gems hidden in my children when they are rambling on about what seems like nothing to me (or my mind is on the next task at hand). I miss out on a hidden gem when I am waiting in a line or on an elevator and never take the time to speak to those around me.

Today I am giving away a $20.00 gift card to Starbucks and a copy of Karen Ehman's book; A Life That Says Welcome"

All you need to do is share a comment on a either a gem you have missed, or one that you uncovered.

Then take time to browse P31's carnival of giving. Some are celebrating their love of nature. Others grandbabies on the way. Come along and join the fun. Just click on the names below. Here's what you could win:

Wendy Blight is giving away a copy of the One Year Chronological Bible and her book Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story.

Shari Braendel is givng away 3 beautiful jewelry pieces to begin a spring wardrobe with! One for a Glamour Girl, one for a Movie Star and one for a Rock Star!

Micca Campbell is giving away her book An Untroubled Heart, and a cute clutch purse for those fun summer evenings!

Whitney Capps is giving away a $30 Francesca's Gift card, redeemable at www.francescascollections.com

Melanie Chitwood is giving away One marriage conference call (see her blog for details) and her new book What a Wife Needs from Her Husband.

Lynn Cowell is giving away a prize for mom and a prize for a teen girl in her life – the 3 book series B.A.B.E. series by Andrea Stephens (Beautiful, Accepted, Blessed, Eternally Significant) for the teen and for Mom a $10 gift card to Starbucks along with Lynn’s CD “Building a Bridge to Your Child’s Heart”.

Karen Ehman is giving away a Winter White Basket that includes Skin Milk body wash, a white loofah, Winter White Citrus Bath & Body Works products, white lily linen and room sprays, white hot cocoa, a white mug and white-chocolate macadamia nut cookies. Along with it, a copy of her book on celebrations entitled Homespun Memories for the Heart: More Than 200 Ideas to Make Unforgettable Moments.

Suzie Eller is giving away a webcam!

Zoe Elmore is giving away a journal, a copy of My Heart's Cry by Anne Graham Lotz and a piece of jewelry Zoe style!

Tracie Miles is giving away her CD "Overcoming Stress with Extraordinary Faith" and a Soulmates Slipper with Christian Notepad and Pen.

Rachel Olsen is giving away Bread for Life": a hardback copy of The Daily Message: Through the Bible in One Year by Eugene Peterson (which you can read this along with her this year) and the Williams-Sonoma Muffins cookbook.

Wendy Pope Wendy is giving away a copy of her book Out of the Mouths of Babes and her CD Yes, No, and Maybe of a Balanced Life

Luann Prater & www.EncouragementCafe.com are giving away an Encouragement Cafe mug and t-shirt at both sites!

LeAnn Rice is giving away a copy of her cookbook Sharing Grace: Recipes- Family Traditions-Gift ideas and a Starbucks gift card.

Susanne Scheppmann is giving away her Birds in My Mustard Tree Bible Study with an I-tunes gift card.

Lysa TerKeurst is giviving away a Mom's Book Club gift pack including 4 copies of Lysa's book, Am I Messing Up My Kids? and a 30-minute Q&A conference call with Lysa.

Van Walton is giving away her DVD for children - From the Pound to the Palace

Glynnis Whitwer is giving away her book work@home: A Practical Guide for Woman Who Want to Work from Home and a French Country Wire Silverware Basket

She Reads is giving away two novels, Watch Over Me by Christa Parrish and Screen Play by Chris Coppernoll, and chocolate, courtesy of the authors. They will tell the story of how their writing brought them together - a love story, quite literally, fit for a novel!

RadRevolution Our ministry to teen girls is giving away a copy of Do the Hard Thing along with a RadRev t-shirt!

Teaming up with She Seeks

2010-02-04T11:40:00.004-05:00

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves"
(Proverbs 31:8)

Hi to everyone,

I am very excited to team up with She Seeks for a project along with Compassion International to help the people of Haiti. I was blessed to travel with Compassion to Ecuador and saw for myself the impact they have at their projects. She Seeks has issued a challenge to speak up for those who can not speak for themselves. Please join us in the great opportunity.

Give to Compassion's Haiti Disaster Relief fund HERE!

As an extra bonus here are links to Karen, Suzie and Lysa's blogs. They both have give away goodies today....

Please let me know what you have done to help.

Blessings,

Returning from a nuch needed getaway.

2010-01-26T13:21:00.006-05:00

We are back from an incredible vacation with the kids. We went to Lake Tahoe for some "snow therapy". We had the best time skiing. Our only hick up was for David (our third child), he broke his clavicle on the the last run of the last day...
Here are a few pictures of our travels.

Promoting an upcoming event

2010-01-11T15:18:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone. I pray your Monday is going great.

I am including a link to Luann's blog. She has information on the upcoming conference from the Encouragement Cafe. Take a minute to check it out. If you live anywhere near Greensboro, NC and can attend you will be blessed.

Blessings,

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T09:07:00.003-05:00

I am endeavoring to simplify things in my life this year. I receive the items below in an email and wanted to share them with you. Read them and then see the end of the post.

I received these predictions for the New Year in an email. There was not an author listed.

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost.

God whispers in your soul and speaks to your mind. Sometimes when you don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at you.

It's your choice: Listen to the whisper, or wait for the brick.

This is a coffee cup of mine that I keep right next to my coffee machine. It is there to remind me to start my day off right. I pray that in 2010 we will all get back to a stronger, simpler, and more obedient relationship with Jesus.

Blessings,

A blessing in brokeness

2009-12-23T21:13:00.004-05:00

The original post has been added too.

Today I was busy with my final preparations for our Christmas. This included cleaning, some cooking and most importantly baking "Jesus' Birthday Cake". My husbands grandmother was an incredible baker and after she passed we were gifted with some of her baking pans. We have two heart shaped pans and it has become our family tradition to bake a heart shaped cake and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus on Christmas Eve.

It has become a beautiful reminder of what Jesus wants most from us, our heart. We take some time to reflect on ways over the past year we have let Jesus in to our hearts and look at how we can do better during the next year.

All was going as planned until I went to put the two layers together. They fell apart with big cracks. I sat there looking at it and thought how fitting it really was. Jesus doesn't want us to be perfect before we give Him our hearts. He wants us just as we are; cracked, imperfect, and broken. See the picture below:

I began to reflect on this year and that cake looks much like I feel. There have been some great victories this year; I was able to hit a goal of getting back into my wedding gown after 19 years and four kids. My husbands company has had the best year yet since being in business. My kids are growing up to be great people. We have our health and each other.

But there have been some challenges too. I have had to put on the shelf some of my personal goals and dreams for a season of being home with the children. It became apparent that I could not do both right now. I have personally struggles with feeling like I was loosing my identity. His peace has prevailed and I know I am where I should be; doing what He has for me right now. That was clearly evident when persecution came our way. I have really had to push to keep connected with God this year, and some days I don't get there.

As I looked at my broken cake (which I would not have been able to eat anyway; I gave up sugars this year); I am excited to see what the next year will hold for me and my family. I know that even though we have some broken areas right now, through His grace and mercy we can become whole. I pray that all of you have a Merry Christmas and an incredible New Year.

As I was typing this post, there arose such a clatter!! It seems the puppy has cleaned the cake platter....

Isn't that what Christ does for us? Wipe our hearts clean? I love the sense of humor our God has.

Blessings,

An inspirational song

2009-10-10T08:15:00.002-04:00

A friend posted this on facebook. It was a great song, I thought I would share it with you.

Blessings,

A new season

2009-09-26T23:04:00.002-04:00

I wanted to take a moment to update everyone. I am going to take some time away from speaking to draw closer to God and be at home with my children for a season. My children are at a critical age and I strongly feel the need to be at home. I am also going to take this time to grow and develop my ministry. I appreciate your prayers during this season.
Blessings,

My Waffly Wife

2009-09-10T17:05:00.003-04:00

This was a hilarious video Karen Ehman shared with us on Facebook. It made me think about my own wedding that was almost 19 years ago. I can remember a few funnies. Allan and I talked to each other throughout the entire ceremony. We did not hear much of what the priest said, nor can we remember what we talked about!!

Have a great laugh and then watch you own wedding video.

Did you have any funnies that you would want to share?

Blessings,

How true this is.

2009-08-20T22:19:00.001-04:00

One Door Closes..Another Opens

Revelations 3:8

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly! 'The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. If you believe, send it. If you don't believe, delete it. God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close.

A funny for the day.

2009-08-20T21:44:00.004-04:00

I received this one in my emails, I thought it was cute.

CASH FOR CLUNKERS..........I QUALIFY

IF MY BODY WERE A CAR...

If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish, and my paint job is getting a little dull. But that's not the worst of it. My headlights are out of focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close.

My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.

My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins. It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.

But here's the worst of it --

Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh, either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.

Join me in the Faith Challenge

2009-08-12T15:02:00.004-04:00

My friend Tracie Miles is issuing a "Faith Challenge" for the next five days. Please follow the link to her blog for the details.

As we enjoyed some quick family time at an indoor water park resort this week. I got the pleasure of riding the "Howlin Tornado" this water slide has a 100 foot drop into a bowl of rapids. My first time down I was facing backwards; so I did not know what was coming. I was okay though because I had the assurance that the ride was safe or the resort could not allow people to go on it.

I thought about the many roads I take in life and how many times I can not see what is ahead of me. I know that God has a life plan for me, and it is good not to bring me harm. But I must confess that all to often I am not at peace trusting in Him, I am too busy trying to manipulate my own turns.

How about you? Are you trusting of God's plans when you are in a drop zone or are you trying to turn it your way?

Praise report; my computer is up and running again.

Blessings,

The power in a box

2009-08-04T20:24:00.005-04:00

Many of us are writing about our She Speaks experience.

I want to touch on something that Dawn wrote on. When the team arrived on Wednesday we were given these glass boxes tied with a beautiful ribbon of gold (like the one pictured above). Inside were many little slips of paper. On each of these slips were scripture verses. Any where there was the word "you" it had been replaced by our name.

When I returned to my room that first night I opened my box and read every verse in it. The tears were streaming down my face as I realized that God was speaking directly to me.

I pulled out several that really hit me as I read them. I re-read these particular verses several time each day throughout the conference.

One of the verses was: "I will be the voice behind you, Charlene, guiding you in the way you should go." Isaiah 30:21

Another one was: "Trust me with all your heart, Charlene, and I will guide you." Proverbs 3:5-6.

Here is a picture of my box and a couple verses.

In the prayer room (Julie has a great story of her time in there) there were laid out the names of God and everyone in attendance had their name printed out and set on one of the names for God. I found my name on the page containing "El Elyon" as Gods name. Which means "Most High God", the passages referred to trusting in Him.

There was a recurring theme for me this weekend all leading back to completely trusting my Most High God to guide me in all of my ways.

For those of you who attended, what did you learn this weekend? If you did not attend, what is God talking to you about today?

Blessings,

She Speaks 2009

2009-08-03T16:10:00.004-04:00

Wow, what a weekend we just had. Over 600 women were blessed and encourage and radically changed the the Proverbs 31 Conference this past weekend. Transformation was a definite theme along with remembering to "be still". Here are some pictures from the weekend. My evaluation group was the best, so many talented and on fire ladies.

This is my oldest daughter Katie and I. She attended the Next Generation Track.

an updated picture

2009-07-21T20:42:00.007-04:00

Hi to everyone. I wanted to post a current picture. I have changed a bit since the profile picture was taken by about 30+pounds. It has been a long haul but well worth it. If you look at the pictures on my side bar you can see the progression of my journey. The family picture was taken in 2006. The profile picture was taken in 2007. This picture was taken by my daughter this morning.
I am within 5 pounds of my wedding weight 19 years ago. I had set a goal to get in my wedding gown for our 20th anniversary; well I am considering pulling it out and trying now!!

My plan is to have some professional pictures taken and then posted.

For anyone else who is on a journey to a better you be encouraged that if I can do it so can you.

Blessings,

Some great point for raising kids

2009-07-19T21:07:00.003-04:00

I know it has been a long time since I have posted anything. I have been trying to focus on family and work lately. A friend sent me this article; it was from many years ago and I have seen it before. However, with summer here and more kid time I felt it would be a good reminder for dealing with our gifts this year. Enjoy.

Ann Landers article @Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(no copyright date was available)

Rules for Raising Children with Character...

Dear Readers: I am on vacation but I have left behind some of my favorite columns that you may have missed the first time around. I hope you enjoy them.

Dear Ann Landers: Several years ago, you printed Twelve Rules for Raising Children. I carried the column in my wallet until it was no longer legible. Please print it again, Ann—San Antonio mother

Dear Mother: Here it is. Thanks for asking.

1. Remember that a child is a gift from God, the richest of all blessings. Do not attempt to mold him in the image of yourself, your father, your brother, or your neighbor. Each child is an individual and should be permitted to be himself.

2. Don’t crush a child’s spirit when he fails. And never compare him with others who have outshone him.

3. Remember that anger and irritability are natural emotions. Help your child to find socially acceptable outlets for these normal feelings or they may be turned inward and erupt in the form of physical or mental illness.

4. Discipline your child with calmness and reason. Don’t let your anger throw you off balance. If he knows you are fair, you will not lose his respect or his love. And make sure the punishment fits the crime. Even the youngest child has a keen sense of justice.

5. Remember that each child needs two parents. Present a united front. Never join with your child against your mate. This can create emotional conflicts, guilt, confusion and insecurity in your child (and you).

6. Do not hand your child everything his little heart desires. Permit him to know the thrill of earning and the joy of achieving. Grant him the greatest of all satisfactions, the pleasure that comes with personal accomplishment.

7. Do not set yourself up as the epitome of perfection. This is a difficult role to play 24 hours a day. You will find it easier to communicate if you let him know that Mom and Dad can err, too. (My add-in: Be willing when wrong to admit/confess and apologize to your child. Model forgiveness! )

8. Don’t make threats in anger or impossible promises when you are in a generous mood. Threaten or promise only that which you can live up to. To a child, a parent’s word means everything. The child who has lost faith in his parents has difficulty believing in anything.

9. Do not smother your child with superficial manifestations of “love.” The purest and healthiest love expresses itself in day-in, day-out training, which breeds self-confidence and independence.

10. Teach your child there is dignity in hard work, whether it is performed with hands that shovel coal or manipulate surgical instruments. Let him know a useful life is a blessed one and a life of pleasure-seeking is empty and meaningless.

11. Do not try to protect your child against every small blow and disappointment. Adversity strengthens character and makes us compassionate.

12. Teach your child to love God and to love his fellow man. Don’t send your child to a place of worship, take him there. Children learn from example. Telling him something is not teaching him. A deep and abiding faith in God can be his strength and his light when all else fails.

I also thought I would include a picture from this summer. This was taken at my brothers wedding just a couple of weeks ago.

Blessings,

She is celebrating another year.

2009-03-05T16:20:00.004-05:00

Many of you will remember my tribute to Allan's grandmother last year when she turned 100(click the 100 for the story). Well it is a year later and today she is 101. She continues to amaze and bless us with her humor and insight in to life.

Happy Birthday Great Grandmother. We love you.

Blessings,

What can you do to make others feel special

2009-02-08T15:23:00.003-05:00

I received an email with the link to the video below. I was truly inspired by the story and hope you will be too.

It really made me think about the many different people I encounter day in and day out. Am I really conscious of ways to make their days special? I must say that all too often I am only wrapped up in my own world, not wanting to be involved in anything else; after all I am over whelmed just like everyone else. That is not how Jesus lived and it is not how we as believers are to live either.

Please share your suggestions of things you have done or maybe now will do to make someones life special today.

Blessings,

It is that time again

2009-02-02T16:36:00.002-05:00

I can not believe it is time to sing up for She Speaks already. It is. I hope to see all of you there with us again along with many new faces. Please click the button below to get to the registration part of the P31 web site.
I can not wait, it is sure to be great.

Blessings,

Stethescope

2009-01-23T19:11:00.002-05:00

I received the link to this video in an email. It is a great one. Enjoy.

Blessings,

Facebook Madness and a thought for the day.

2009-01-22T17:10:00.003-05:00

I am sorry I have not checked in lately. I have been bitten by the "facebook" bug. I invite you all to come by and see my page.

It has been fun to catch up with some old friends and learn more about others. I am finding it is a great way to keep up with the children and what is going on in their lives. Our teenagers have pages with the restriction that we have to be friends with all of their friends, that way we can stay up on things.

Here is the note for the day I referred to in the title:

Law of the Garbage Truck

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! T he driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly! So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so... love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

I pray that we will all watch what we do with our garbage this year.

A side note too: My oldest, the one who turned 15 last week got her driving permit today. She is so excited and we are proud. I guess I am going from driver to rider!!

Blessings,

Then and Now

2009-01-10T10:37:00.004-05:00

Here are two photos of my oldest daughter. She turned 15 on January 8th. Time does go quickly with them.

GO GATORS

2009-01-09T21:56:00.003-05:00

Okay, I know the game is over!! UF is where I went to college, so I am just a little partial. I wanted to share one picture with you. Notice what is written on his face (in case you can not read it; it says John 3:16). What a great kid.

We are just returning from a wonderful family ski vacation, I will post pictures soon.
Love and blessings,

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T20:55:00.002-05:00

Hi to all. I pray that your Christmas was blessed and your New Year will be great. We are looking forward to a wonderful 2009.

As I look back at the last year; I have to say that overall for our family 2008 was a good one. We set some financial goals and personal goals that were mostly met with victory. We were able to get rid of extra debt and I personally lost 18 pounds over the course of the year and did not gain it all back during the holiday. Our kids are doing well. Sarah was discharged from physical and occupational therapy in December, that means she has had a remarkable recovery from her stroke. We are truly praising God and thanking Him for our blessings.

We also know that many others have suffered this past year, our hearts and prayers are with each of you.

I thought I would post a picture of our "Birthday" celebration for Jesus on Christmas day.

Blessings,

Mom, I need you in the kitchen NOW!!!

2008-12-17T08:36:00.005-05:00

There is an add on at the end of this post.

Those were the words I heard as I was for once sitting in the family room watching TV; Katie and I were watching the finally of "The Biggest Looser".

I was not overly moved by the comment until it was repeated at a higher level. I arose off the couch and turned to look in the kitchen. To what did my eyes see but the toaster oven on fire!!!!!

Thankfully I did not freak. I cried out for Jesus and unplugged the device. Then I grabbed oven mitts and promptly took the flaming object to the back yard, where my son who caused all of this trouble used the fire extinguisher slightly on the oven and also on me!!! The stuff in those canisters does not taste very good.

Here is a picture of the now burnt offering.

I declare we have had enough excitement for this week, actually for the rest of this year!!

I will have to address the toaster need at a later date. Today I go to Virginia and will return very late tonight.

Has anyone else had a story like this?

I am sure there are some good ovens out there, let me know what your favorite is.

Blessings,

DEJA VU

2008-12-11T23:03:00.003-05:00

I mean literally. It was exactly a week ago that I was in Philadelphia, PA for a business trip. I am here again, at the same hotel next to the room I was in this day last week. It was cold and rainy last week too!!

I have nothing against PA, it is just that I have not experienced the best weather here yet. Last week I had to do some training and catch a flight to meet Allan at a Christmas gathering. Guess what, I am doing the same thing this time too. I have to catch an afternoon flight to get to our churches Christmas Banquet, of which we are hosting and decorating for. I seem to be good at cutting things close lately.

An update on Allan's hand; he is doing well. He will be in a brace for a few weeks, but should be fine in the long run. We are very thankful. This means we get to continue to live indoors and eat!!! The joys of self employment. Truly I would not have it any other way. The flexibility far out weights the faith walk of depending on God to provide.

We still do not have a tree yet, the hope is to accomplish that this weekend. I will let you know.

I pray that you are all enjoying this precious season.

Blessings,

A holiday heart warmer

2008-12-10T09:04:00.002-05:00

I am going to post a story that I received in an email. It is a wonderful illustration of what this precious season is all about. Please enjoy and invite others to read it too.

Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving.

It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible.

After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible; instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though; I was too busy wallowing in self-pity.

Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this

But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what.

Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load.

Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards on.

After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood---the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all Fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing? Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you doing?" You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what? "Yeah," I said, "Why?" "I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt."

That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait.

When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" I asked. "Shoes. They're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunnysacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy."

We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy?

Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern. We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, and then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?" "Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt. Could we come in for a bit?"

Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp. "We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it.

She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children---sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out.

"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too.

In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak. My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before, filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people.

I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us."

In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.

Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.

Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine.

At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs.. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away. Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, "'May the Lord bless you,' I know for certain that He will."

Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough.

Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that. But on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunnysacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand."

I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children.

For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensen's, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night; he had given me the best Christmas of my life.

Don't be too busy today...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

And the Winner Is!!

2008-12-09T11:20:00.003-05:00

The winner from my "Mr. Linky give away is "New Every Morning". Please leave me a comment with your email so I can get your mailing information to send you the book. Congratulations. I hope you will be encouraged.

An update: Allan is feeling better. He will have the hand immobilized for a couple of weeks. He has been a trouper. Yesterday he ended up driving to and from school 4 times and handled all four kids while washing clothes. He is a super hero!!! Thanks for your encouraging comments.

Have a wonderful day.

Blessings,

12 Days of Christmas

2008-12-07T20:23:00.010-05:00

Hi to everyone that has come over from Karen Ehman's blog. I am so glad you stopped by.

For those that are also in the "Mr. Linky" contest the play went well. My husband and I cried a ton when Katie did her death scene. She was Beth from "Little Women". I knew she had to do it, but when I actually saw it, oh boy was it hard!!

I thought I would share a couple of photos from our annual ski trip and Christmas tree shopping day. It was yesterday and it was eventful. Most things seem to be when it comes to our family.

The day started out perfectly. We arrived at the mountain to a frigid 19 degrees and wind gusts up to 40 mph. We got everyone dully covered and set with skis, we put the youngest two children in classes to start with; the rest of us headed to the top of the mountain. All was well until Allan took a spill. He is the one who never falls in our family!!!! He had this unusual look on his face when I got to him to give him back the pole he lost. He said his thumb was a bit sore, all else was fine. By the time we got to the bottom of the mountain I knew his hand would need to be looked at. After a visit to the First Aid room, a little oxygen and a bandaged hand later; he was sent to the fire place for the rest of the day.

The rest of the family had a great day, good runs and total fun. Here are a couple of pictures of Sarah.

Here is Ryan our 13 year old and our next door neighbor Pam and her daughter Jacqueline (their family joined us for our adventure today). They are sitting in front of the fire place keeping Allan company!!!

When it was time to leave and get the tree sympathy for dad and the need to have further evaluation on the hand set in. We scratched the tree run and decided to get home. We will go to a local farm and get a tree this week.

Allan went to an urgent care center and has a temporary cast. There are no broken bones, but he needs to see an Orthopedic doc to make sure the joint is stable.

Karen asked the question of how I handle the craziness of the season. I think it takes flexibility and willingness to improvise. As you are reading this today I am either on my way to Ft. Lauderdale or already there working; I will be home late tonight. Please pray for my hubby today. He has the kids and needs to get some reports out for work, all with his left hand out of commission.

Blessings to all,

It is Mr. Linky time again

2008-12-06T15:42:00.008-05:00

Hi to everyone.
If you are coming by from Lysa's blog welcome.

I am glad you have stopped by. I hope your weekend is relaxing.

Our oldest daughter Katie is in a production at school tonight. The drama class is doing their rendition of "Little Women". I am excited to see it, but also a bit apprehensive; Katie is playing Beth. This means I get to watch my daughter die on stage.

Tomorrow our family will embark on their annual snow ski and Christmas tree search . I will post some pictures and details early next week.

My prize for "Mr. Linky" Christmas Giveaway is going to be a copy of "Ten Minute Time Out's for Busy Women".

It is a wonderful devotion book. I gave away my copy and need to get another one, so I thought I would share it with one of you too. I will pick a winner on Tuesday of next week.

See you next week.
Blessings,

Take some time to laugh at this!!

2008-12-04T09:46:00.002-05:00

Okay, I am stealing someone else's idea today. If you are participating in Karen Ehman's 12 days of Christmas you will have already enjoyed this great video.

She asked about favorite Christmas songs. I would say that mine is Silver Bells; but this video is so cute I had to show it too.

Sorry for being a copy cat today. But why reinvent a great thing!!

Celebrating with a friend and a story too.

2008-12-03T08:03:00.006-05:00

I am so excited. One of our She Speaks graduates is publishing her book!!! Kristen Meyers was in my evaluation group in 2007. Visit her blog today to see how the story unfolded.

We have been trying to get the house decorated for Christmas the past couple of days, so it looks like we are participating this year. As I began putting up the lights and testing them I was met with much resistance; from the lights anyway. I apparently have multiple strands and decorations that no longer light up. I should not be overly surprised as they are at least 10 years old. But I did not necessarily plan for any expense in those categories.

So I am changing up my decorating this year. I am placing items in different positions (I am one that has everything in its special place each year for that certain look I want). This is a new thing for me. I am sure there is a lesson in this somewhere (check back after Christmas and I am sure I will have it).

I decided not to stress over unmet expectations and let things look different this year.

In my email this morning was this really neat story, I thought I would share it with you.

Psalm 55:22 --- you really need to read this.
'Friends are God's way of taking care of us.'
This was written by a Metro Denver Hospice Physician:

I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the 'quickie mart' building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay.

When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.

At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.

I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying 'I don't want my kids to see me crying,' so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, 'And you were praying?' That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, 'He heard you, and He sent me.'

I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.

She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City. Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They live in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.

So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.

I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, 'So, are you like an angel or something?'

This definitely made me cry. I said, 'Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people.'

It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.

Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings...Psalms 55:22 'Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.'

What kinds of changes are you making this year?

Blessings,

12 Days of Christmas

2008-12-01T09:45:00.003-05:00

As we return from a wonderful week away in sunny Florida with my family and turn our focus to the next holiday I find myself back to juggling in full force.

I have to fly to Philly on Thursday with a return on Friday just in time to meet Allan at a Client party. He has to be in Charleston, SC (4 hours away from us) on Thursday as well, so we are in the process of scheduling coverage for the kids!! Saturday Katie is in a Christmas production, then on Sunday we go for our annual ski trip (more on that later).

Then I fly to Ft. Lauderdale and back on Monday.

Okay, I am exhausted and it is only Monday morning.

I wanted to make you aware of a great blog event going on.

Starting this week my friend Karen Ehman has put together a Twelve Days of Christmas give-away.

I'll let Karen describe it in her own words.

So, beginning next Monday, December 1st, I’ll be hosting a 12 Days of CHRISTmas giveaway right here on my little ole’ blog. Each day December 1-12, in addition to giving you some of my most requested yuletide ideas and easy recipes, I’ll also be featuring one of my fellow Proverbs 31 speakers in a short profile and asking them a holiday question. Then, you answer the same question by leaving a comment and you will be entered into the giveaway. Each day will have a different present for you; a helpful book, an inspirational cd, a fooffy-girly gift or giftcard for a Starbucks. The purpose is to give you ideas and a small cyber-break from the hustle and bustle at your house.

Please stop over there and get in on some of the fun!!!
Blessings,

The Word is going forth

2008-11-20T10:21:00.004-05:00

I am including a link to the Proverbs 31 Ministry web site homepage today. Wendy Pope had a devotion recently that talked about reading through a chronological bible in one year. The response has been unbelievable.

I love how God can use the simplest of ideas to bring His people in to a closer fellowship with Him.
Please take the time to check it out.

I would also like to send a warm Happy Thanksgiving out to all of you. My family will be taking a week away and spending it with my parents in Florida. We are very much looking forward to no set schedule for several days.

I pray that you will take some time to analyze what you are thankful for and give those praises to God.

Blessings,

So, what is next?

2008-11-05T15:38:00.002-05:00

There are many mixed emotions in our country today. I dare say it runs the entire gamut from elation to all out fear.

In prayer in the wee hours of Tuesday morning I was drawn to many examples in the Old Testament where the Israelites cried to God for a King. When He would allow them to have the king they asked for what happened? Every time they ended up with times and seasons of bondage.

I realized that many people in our country were crying out for a king to take away their problems.

Next I was drawn to Daniels story along with his three friends; Shadrak, Meshak, and Abendigo. These young men were exiled and thrown in to potential bondage because their people wanted a king. But what these men did to stay safe, and even come away with more than they went in with was to hold true to the commands of God.

I felt strongly that God was directing me to see that no matter what happens in the coming days, weeks and even years; as long as I do not compromise my obedience to God's commands I and my family will be safe and come out on top. This road will most likely have bumps and even craters in it, but I do not have to be tripped up or fall in.

I am continuing to pray for our nation and all of its citizens.

Blessings,

Please seek God's direction on Tuesday

2008-11-02T16:32:00.002-05:00

We are coming up on an extremely historical election for our nation and the entire world this Tuesday. Personally my spirit has been stirred for many weeks to fast and pray. Myself and many of my blog buddies are asking that our readers take the time to fast and pray on Monday.

Tracie Miles has a great entry on her blog, I urge you to visit and take the time to read the entry.

I know what the bible says on abortion and the sanctity of marriage. For me those are the two defining factors on my vote. I must be able to stand before my Lord and Savior and know that I stood true to His word and voted only for people that will uphold those biblical truths.

Thanks for your support and prayers.

Blessings,

What is This????

2008-10-17T11:58:00.009-04:00

Have you ever had anything happen, that you just could not fathom how it got where it was?

I had an incredible surprise waiting for me when I opened my 7 year old's back pack today!!

Check this out, yes that is spaghetti.

He had a hot lunch at school yesterday and wanted to bring the leftovers home. He failed to tell me what he had done.

Words can not describe what I felt.

I thank God for grace and mercy, of which I extended to my horrified child. It was a good thing I had quiet time today.

I want to run a contest.

Share with me your story of what you have found in your child's back pack. The winner will receive a copy of the book "10 Minute Time Out's for Busy Women" by Grace Fox and a $10.00 gift certificate from Starbucks.

I can not wait to hear your stories.

Blessings,

2008-10-16T19:50:00.003-04:00

Hi to everyone. I am sorry for the long delay in posting. We have been in a season that seems to be non-stop. I have been traveling with work quite a bit lately and when I am not traveling I am striving to catch up on all of the school work with the kids. Of course there is football and cheer leading and all that goes with it. Allan has been busy as well.

No excuses just life happening for the Kidd family.

I have to ask if anyone has seen the movie "Fireproof"? It is the most incredible movie about relationships. If you have not had the chance make the time and go. Married couples should go together, it will bless your socks off!!!!

View this link and see for yourself.
If you have seen the movie let me know how it impacted you.

Blessings,

A need and a praise all in one

2008-09-24T10:12:00.004-04:00

My post today is twofold.

First our family is saying good-bye to a precious family in our neighborhood. They are moving to upstate New York to be closer to family that needs them. Their two daughters and my oldest daughter are good friends so the tears have been flowing. This is a family that has opened their hearts to children in need of much love. Both of their girls are adopted. Mike and Mary opened their home and their hearts, it has been an honor to see God work through them. I know we will always stay in touch, but physical presence here will be missed greatly. We are praying for great things in the coming years for them.

Second, today as we begin a capital campaign we are praying for God to bless each one that chooses to give back to a ministry that has blessed them in some way. We know from past experience that God always provides for our needs, so we are thanking Him in advance for the provision. Please follow this link to the today's devotion. Then we ask that you go to Proverbs 31 to send a gift to the ministry.

How does this tie in to Proverbs? Mary reads our devotions and our blogs and they have encouraged her many times. She even has Mike read them!! This family lives out what Proverbs 31 Ministries is all about; reaching out to those in need and sharing the gospel with them.

Proverbs 31 Ministries has been instrumental in encouraging women and sometimes men to be the best person God created them to be, the vision is ongoing and we need your help. Please join us in making a difference and encouraging more people and families to spread the gospel.

Blessings,

Taking a moment to remember

2008-09-11T08:55:00.003-04:00

I was looking at my calendar this morning and I saw that next week I have a trip to New York City for 3 days. As I took a minute to prepare I realized the significance of this date.

On September 11, 2001 our country was attacked. There were many innocent lives lost that day. It seems that the world has moved forward as time always allows us to do; but I am sure for the families that were directly impacted by those attacks this is a solemn day.

We are preparing for another presidential election. It is a very important time in our countries history. Personally as we are in the final 40 days before the election I have decided to make and take time to fast and pray for our great nation. I am praying that God will move on the hearts of His people and guide us so we can choose His candidate for the office. I am praying for the safety of our troops that are fighting the war in foreign countries that they will be protected if there is an increase in violence before the elections. I am praying for our candidates and their families.

Will you join me and seek God to speak to us and direct our steps in the days ahead?

Blessings,

Taking time to meet with Jesus

2008-09-04T22:00:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite times of year is the fall.

I came across this picture and wanted to share it with you. I imagine places like this in heaven, and I picture myself walking and talking with Jesus. Then I am convicted; I realize that I do not need to wait until I am in heaven to spend time in my saviors presence.

I have printed it out and put it in my planner, to remind me to seek Him at all times throughout my day.

As we are entering into a busy time with many events, practices, games, homework etc., that pull on us, I pray that we would take the time to slow down and sit at the feet of our Lord.

Blessings,

Can you hear me now?

2008-09-02T15:30:00.004-04:00

I feel like the guy from the Verizon commercial, only it is me that has been hiding. I can not believe how long it has been since I took the time to post anything. I am very sorry. I am guilty of letting life get in the way.

Our last week before school was a complete whirl wind. I had a working trip to Washington, DC and Allan and the kids came with me. We really had a fun time. I had one day that I could site see with them before reporting to work. It was truly a remarkable day. We had a tour of the Capital set up through our local Senators office. It was on a Friday and it was the week that some of the Republican Representative chose to remain in the chambers and debate the issue of drilling for oil. We actually got to go and sit on the floor of the House of Representatives; we were the audience. My kids came away with an incredible history lesson.

The next week was the start up of school. It is now the 3rd week of school and a routine is trying to emerge. Of course we are now adding in football and cheerleading.

In preparation for ski season (yes, some in the Carolina's like to ski); Allan and I have challenged each other to 90 days of P90X. It is an exercise series created by Tony Horton. I must say it has humbled me completely. I thought I was in okay shape before, NOT!!! But after my 90 days -- Look out MOGELS -- here I come!!!

I do not have any huge life lessons to share today. With the grace of God we continue to trudge through the season of life we are currently in.

Incidently I am on my way to Houston, TX today for a quick training day and back home on Wednesday night.

Blessings,

Greetings from the Mile High City

2008-08-02T01:53:00.002-04:00

Thanks for the great support and encouragement we received for the loss of Allan's cousin. The service was wonderful and the family is doing well.

I recently posted about Sarah taking off on her bike with out the training wheels. We have always said that she will not let anything get in her way. She moved on from the bycicle to the dirt bike in a matter of two weeks. Yes, you read that correctly. She is riding her brother's 50CC dirt bike!!!!
We were going to sell it because David had out grown it. We really did not think Sarah could or would ride it. Think again!!!

I am currently in Denver, CO. I am working this weekend. Or should I say sweating ( well, a southern girl only perspires). The temperature today was 102!!!! It is cooler back in the Carolina's. I will be back home Monday afternoon. Then the family leaves for Washington DC on Thursday.

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying what is left of the summer break.

Blessings,

A five day Faith Challenge

2008-07-25T20:29:00.003-04:00

My friend Tracie is doing a 5 day faith challenge. Stop by her blog to catch up and join in.

I will be posting some details from vacation in a few days. I have to get some pictures loaded first.

We are heading back tomorrow, one of my husbands cousins passed away. We will be heading to the mountains of NC to be with family.

Blessings,
Charlene

A much needed get-away

2008-07-19T21:30:00.002-04:00

My family is leaving in the morning for a trip to Florida. The children will be staying with my parents and attending a day camp with lots of water fun. Allan and I are sneaking away for a time of seclusion. We have not had more than 48 hours away together in 4 years. We are so looking forward to the time.

I will post pictures and stories when I return in one week.

I will miss everyone.

Blessings,

No more training wheels

2008-07-16T21:36:00.004-04:00

This post has been edited. See new pictures below.

I am so excited. My youngest daughter (the one who was responsible for the "Scribble Scrabble devo); has just accomplished a huge hurdle.

She is riding a bike without training wheels. I know for most kids that is a normal passage in the routine of life, but Sarah had a stroke during her fetal development. We do not know when, but before she was born it happened. She was left with left sided weakness and does therapy weekly to learn to use that side of her body. Sarah is a very determined child and has made many advances. We were not sure when or if her balance issues would allow for her to ride a bike without the training wheels.

So we are celebrating. She insisted we try this evening, so the picture is dark; but the moment is captured!!!
I will get some more pictures during the daytime and add them, so check back!!

Here is a daytime shot. Sarah spent most of today riding her bike. She had a couple of spills, but her tenacity has remained in tact.

Thanks for sharing in our moment.

Blessings,

Where is the time going?

2008-07-15T12:50:00.002-04:00

This summer is just flying by. I always envision many relaxing days and no set schedule; then sometimes reality hits.

This week our oldest daughter is at camp.

Our number three child turned 7 years old.

I am fully recovered from my mis-hap and out on the blades again.

My husband is really busy this week (that is a good thing!!), except that his transmission decided to quit yesterday on his way home from out of town. Today we took it to the repair shop and found out it will be there for several days while it gets a new transmission (yikes--there goes any extras). I just took him to pick up a rental car so he can continue to work.

School starts for my kids in just 4 weeks.

Next week should make my vision come true. My children will be with my parents for the week and Allan and I are getting 4 cherished days away all by ourselves.

Am I the only one feeling like time is in warp speed? Please share your thoughts.

On a side note, my friend Joy posted a precious entry on her blog about She Speaks. Thank you Joy.

Blessings,

She Falls!!

2008-07-03T18:26:00.005-04:00

I have loved all of the posts the team is doing regarding She Speaks. In my last post I shared about my purchase of roller blades. I have been really enjoying my "prayer blading" times this last week. I have even trimmed a little bit in some key places.

Today was different though. I was coming down my street (there is a hill on it); when I skated by several of my neighbors who also walk in the morning. They were congratulating me on my bravery etc...

I turned to answer a question and....
I lost my balance and She (me) came tumbling down. I hit the pavement. It was not a pretty sight. My glasses went flying, my phone went flying, and my water bottle became a missile. I felt like snow skier having what we call a "yard sale" (that is when they loose skis and poles).

My wonderful neighbors helped me pick up everything except my ego. It was most definitely bruised. It is several hours later; I have road burn on body parts I can mention.

I had lunch with some of the Proverbs staff today see Van's blog for a great post on it; they prayed for me; made me feel better; and they fed me great desserts. All is better with chocolate!!

I know when it comes to staying in shape the motto often is "no pain-no gain", but this is a bit too much. I will get back on the skates, but I will not be so talkative to my neighbors while doing so, I think they will understand.

Have a wonderful 4th of July tomorrow. Please take time to thank God for allowing us to live in such a blessed country.

Blessings,

You bought what???

2008-06-30T19:23:00.002-04:00

Those were the words my husband said over the phone to me last Wednesday. He was driving 12 hours home from a business trip to Florida, and I was trying out my new toys. I bought a pair of roller blades. Now mind you, I am 45 years old and I have never been on roller blades before. He was slightly concerned and mostly shocked at what he thought was my momentary loss of consciousness.

Me on the other hand, I was having a blast. We have a rather steep hill on our street, by the time I had worked my way to the top I too was questioning my decision. All of my children and several of the neighborhood children were joining me on this adventure. The girls were all complaining, I quickly reminded them that this pain was necessary to keep their girlish figures.

I now have faithfully gone roller blading every other day since my purchase. I have fallen a couple of times, no major injuries to report. I am getting much better (at least more stable), the hill is now manageable and if the pain I feel in certain muscle groups is any indication this should be a good choice for exercise.

I have given the prayer walk a bit of a twist. I now take a prayer blading stroll in the morning.
I figure I need all the protection I can get. Seriously, it is quite an enjoyable activity. I know it is good for my heart in more than one way.

What kind of crazy things have you done in the name of exercise?
Blessings,

Story Time

2008-06-25T21:31:00.004-04:00

Many of the Proverbs 31 Speakers are inviting people to share stories on their blogs about their experience at the She Speak Conference. Glynnis is doing a give a way, so please leave me a story, but head over to Glynnis's and get in the drawing.

I had the great pleasure of seeing a few of the ladies from previous She Speaks this year.

Below is a picture of myself, with Cheri Bunch and Joy Brown. They were in my group the same year as Amy Carroll, who is now on our team. We have all stayed in touch. Joy was very hesitant about flying here from Canada. God held her hand, literally, by providing an old school friend to sit beside her and come to She Speaks as well.

I was also blessed by having my church's women's ministry leader attend the conference this year. She also happens to be our pastor's mom. I love Lou so much. She is an incredible inspiration and a true Titus 2 woman. I always tell her that when I grow up I want to be like her.

I also "took one for the team". At least that is how Marybeth described it. I was hosting a break out for Wendy Pope. We discovered that one handout was not in the attendees books. I took off running to the front desk to get 130 copies and get back before the session ended. I had forgotten the fact that I had two cups of coffee and had not been to the potty!!! After having four children, the bladder does not hold like it used to. Let's just say, I had to go change clothes.

So now it is your turn.

Blessings,

Trying to catch my breath

2008-06-23T16:12:00.006-04:00

Oh My Goodness!! What a weekend. She Speaks 2008 was incredible. I left exhausted and charged up all at the same time.

I did manage to catch a very quick nap when I returned home. That was a miracle in itself because my husband had to drop the children off at the hotel for me to take over while he had to travel to Florida. Thanks to my children for allowing me that rest time.

Every year those of us on the team are always so excited to see what God has in store. The attendees (those coming for the first time at least) think they are coming to learn about speaking, writing, women's ministry leadership, or training the next generation; and we know they are really in for complete life change. This year was no different.

I am so thankful for all of the breakthroughs that happened this past weekend. I am humbled to be even a small part of the process.

Here is a picture of the team on Friday before the official beginning of the conference.
You could not miss us in our teal. It turned out to be a blessing. With 560 women pouncing on the hotel for the conference all at once; it was a real help for them to know who to ask a question of.

The break out sessions were a ton of fun and full of great insight. Then of course there was the speaker evaluation groups. Here is a picture below.

There is Julie, Lynn, Janel, Heather, Paige (aka Sadie), Barbara, me, Cricket, Lori, Joyce, Nancy. Not pictured is Cindi and Cinderella.

I am only a little prejudice, I had the best group of ladies.

Pictured at the left is Sadie. This was the alter ego of Paige. We all laughed so hard, but she offered some great wisdom with the humor.

Zoe look out, she could give you a run for the "princess" title.

I told you I have the best group!!!

I love Saturday nights presentations because it is as though we have been to 12 mini retreats in one and a half hours. The messages these ladies deliver each year are incredible.

My cheers to each of you.

This year God showed up even before the attendees did. Our conference director from the hotel, Floyd was told he needed a emergency root canal, before he left we prayed for him. At the dentist office he was told he no longer needed one!!!! He came back elated and shared with many of the hotel staff. Our prayer room was often frequented by hotel staff wanting to experience God too. What an powerful testimony. The hotel was full of other events, and our book table was visited by many of them. On Sunday morning I encouraged several guests that were standing outside of the ball room during praise and worship to come in and join us.

God definitely stretched our borders this weekend.

I have to send a special thanks to Doug and his family. Doug was one of our technical guys. His father had a massive heart attack and suffered a ruptured aorta while we were at the conference. We immediately prayed and then gave Doug permission to go. He refused. He said his dad was fine where he was, the other members of his family were with him; and that he, Doug, was doing exactly what he needed to be doing. What an incredible servant he is. I pray that God will stop time and allow Doug the opportunity to be with his father.

My love and blessings to everyone that was with us this past weekend.

My Scribble Scrabbled Heart

2008-06-11T05:57:00.010-04:00

If you are coming from the Proverbs #1 Ministries daily devotion welcome. Click on this link to read the story that inspired today's devotion. If you have not read the devotion click here to read today's devotion and to begin receiving this incredible free daily encouragement.

Here is a picture of Sarah (with her wake up hair this morning)

I find that anytime you have your eyes open to a nugget of wisdom the opportunity for testing will be readily available.

Last night I was flying home from Toronto Canada after several very long days of working. I knew I would have customs to deal with so I packed (crammed) everything into a carry on bag to avoid baggage pick up. My flight was full and we boarded by zones. My zone was last. As I rolled my suitcase onto the plane the flight attendant told me I was going to have to gate check my bag and it would be in baggage claim when we arrived. I promptly informed him that my bag was small enough to fit in the overhead compartment and it came to Canada that way (I had a bit of attitude with my statement)!! I sat in my seat still feeling frustrated my luggage no longer in my hand. The gentlemen beside my asked my if I had children; when I mentioned Sarah the realization of today's devotion hit me.

My actions, words, and tone of voice a few minutes prior had added some "scribble scrabble" to my heart. I had to reach for the "eraser". I apologized to the flight attendant for being snippy and short with him.

I quietly thanked God for loving me enough to correct me. I also suggested to Him that because I was so tired it might be a good idea not to present me with anymore opportunities.

I should know better than to do that. I parked my car in a business valet section of our airport (it is a safe parking solution when I am traveling by myself); when I arrived at the lot the attendant informed me that whomever had parked it left the lights on (for 4 days) and I now had a dead battery. This time I held back my immediate first thoughts and responded with kindness; the car was jump started and I made it home.

As you go through your day today I pray that you would listen to the Holy Spirit's convictions and if you put some messy lines in your heart quickly erase them.

For those of you coming to She Speaks next week I can not wait to see you. We are praying for all of you.

Blessings,

Making the best of being on the road again!!

2008-06-07T15:49:00.003-04:00

I am visiting our northern neighbors this weekend. I am in beautiful Toronto, Canada. I am here working for several days, but the weather is wonderful and the scenery is breathtaking. My hotel is overlooking Lake Ontario, it is wonderful. Joy, I know you are up here somewhere, do you live near Toronto?

I have to share how much fun it has been meeting people from other parts of the world these past two weeks. I have been so blessed by many of them.

Knowing I was going to be spending time away from my family, I purposed to find Jesus everywhere I have to go, and also to be Jesus to someone too.

Last week on my return trip from Puerto Rico I was asked to switch seats so a mother and her child could sit together. I immediately said yes with out any concern and found myself in first class.

Today the line for customs was impossibly long, people were not very happy. There was a child I kept passing as we wound our way through the people maze (like the one's at theme parks), who got very fussy after awhile. Her parents were so embarrassed, I took the time to encourage them that any one of us with children had empathy and were secretly thankful our children were not with us (because we would be them).

The next few days hold long hours and many opportunities for frustrations with crowds of people attending a medical conference. I however, am determined to find Jesus in others and also be Jesus to someone else.

How about you? Take some time to share your light.
Blessings,

My Sanity Time

2008-05-31T21:56:00.004-04:00

I am going to share a really cool opportunity that I am enjoying with you.

I am working away from my family this weekend; I do some work with a foundation about five times a year. I have to travel to do this work. I miss my family, but my husband calls this my "sanity time"; because I get to stay in a hotel by myself and go to the bathroom with out company. The mom's out there know what I mean.

This trip is a real treat though.

I just returned to my room after setting up the screening and having dinner with the team. I walked in to relaxing music playing on the plasma screen, the lights are dimly lit, my sheets are turned down and there is a bottle of water and two chocolates (one dark and one milk) just waiting for me. I went to hang up my clothes, when you open the closet door the light comes on, there is a cushy robe waiting for you and when you close the door the light goes off. Ladies I am so loving it; I am staying at the Ritz Carlton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I have only seen these places in pictures and on travel shows!!! I could get used to this one.

Before you start throwing things, I have to be in the lobby at 6:00am and will see about 50 patients tomorrow and probably be so exhausted when I get back that I wont want to go to the beach or the pool ( I may have to force myself).

I know I am spoiled now.

On a serious note though, I feel like I have just gotten a glimpse of what it going to be like in heaven when I get my mansion, and walk on the streets of gold, and my whole day will be peaceful and spent praising my loving Father.

I thank God for this incredible opportunity to peak into the possibilities of my eternal life.

I hope you have a chance like this while you are still here on earth. Even if you never get to the Ritz, you can still rest in your fellowship with Jesus right now, today.

Blessings,

I just left out one detail!!

2008-05-29T15:49:00.004-04:00

If you are coming over from Lysa's blog. Welcome.

I am so excited about She Speaks this year. I am always anxious to see how God is going to move. I know from the buffeting we are all seeing this year is going to be awesome.

I am currently on vacation with my husband and kids and 13 more of his relatives. I can hear the gasps right now. I assure you it is a great time. We have developed a tradition of spending the entire Memorial Day week at a beach home in Litchfield Beach, SC with Allan's extended family. There are anywhere from 19 to 21 of us on any given year.

This year we have two houses, so we could spread out a little easier. The days are spent totally relaxing on the beach or by the pool, taking naps, and playing games. The highlight of each day is dinner. With all the many helping hands we never need to go to a restaurant because we have a gourmet meal each night. There is usually a pasta night, a beef night, a seafood night etc. Tonight is going to be appetizers by the pool. Everyone is making their favorite for all to try.

I worked very hard this year to be able to hit the beach in a bathing suit and not be mistaken for a beached something or other. I got the children all covered in sunscreen and hats, and I laid down for a quick beach nap.

That was great except, I forgot to put on my sunscreen!!!! It was the first time in many years my middle section and seen the sun, and well; it will probably be the last for awhile. I am so red and sore breathing hurts!!! I should know better, I grew up on the beach in Florida.

If you have ever forgotten a crucial detail please share your story.

I will try to post some pictures soon.

I can not wait to see everyone at the conference.

Blessings,

Laminin

2008-05-20T21:12:00.002-04:00

I am attaching a You Tube link to this post. It was sent to me as part of a precious letter from a family friend who had just ushered her husband home to be in the Lord in heaven. This was the gift he wanted us to see.

I was totally blown away. It is about 8 minutes but worth every second.

Please pass this on.
Blessings,