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Love Day!

February 13, 2012 in Across My Heart, Across Our Table, Across Our World, Swaziland with 0 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day! 

I pray today you are surprised by someone who goes out of their way to show their love for YOU! Of course, no amount of human love can compare with how captivated & adored you are by your Creator. What I find amazing about His love is that it can not be earned and it can not be stolen! His Love is perfectly eternal and ever-present.

Romans 8:37-39  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I want to remind you about Love4Lunch that is happening TODAY! What better day to spread the love of God all the way across the world!

Skip your lunch today and instead give those few bucks so that our Bheveni Carepoint children can return to school for the year. Children’s HopeChest has made online giving even easier than before. Just follow this link – NO CODE is needed at this link!

Love4Lunch QuickGive Page

(no code necessary here)

Thank you my lovely friends & readers!

Shine On!

Danielle

 

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Love4Lunch Hysteria

February 11, 2012 in Across My Heart, Across Our Street, Across Our Table, Across Our World with 0 Comments

Hysteria is a stretch. Hysterical is not! I’m just so in awe of what’s happening that I keep catching myself giggling about it & can’t stop talking about it! Ask my husband, I’ve not shut up for several weeks now. I’m sure it’s not so hysterical to him.

As you may know, so much of what I love to do is done through Facebook. I see God changing lives, especially mine. The community of children we pray for & support from a distance through Children’s HopeChest is solely connected through Facebook. I often talk about the Bheveni Carepoint kids on my blog, but rarely do I talk about the community that loves them like family.

Children’s HopeChest has several “Connect Communities” each an online group advocating for children at a specific carepoint in Africa, but of course, ours is THE BEST – filled with the most amazing, gifted, funny, snarky, chatty, tag-happy, generous, and excitable group of people I’ve never met.

Everyday, sometimes multiple times a day, they bravely wield the sword of their hand (their mouse) to harness the power of the world (the internet), to share a contagious passion that God has given them for a group of children most of them have never met. Through stories, pictures, videos, etc we have all become one big happy Bheveni family, hearts fully connected with each other and with the 160+ children we love so dearly. Only God could’ve knit our hearts together like this!

What I love about our online community is that they aren’t just sittin’ on their bums talking about how things ‘should’ change. They are making change happen. Changing lives in their local towns. Changing lives across the world. 

Don’t believe me? (Of course you do, but humor me.) I’m gonna prove my case.

Through the amazing dedication and teamwork of local Swazis, Adventures in Missions, Children’s HopeChest & sponsors, the children who are coming to Bheveni Carepoint have security knowing that their basic needs for a warm meal, clean water, basic medical care & abundant love are being met. But like any child, the goal isn’t just survival – we want them to THRIVE and be given opportunities to soar! But first their roots must be planted in a solid foundation known as education! 

In Swaziland, all children must pay tuition to go to school. On average it costs about $250 per year, per child to receive an education. Every. Child.

CLICK THIS LINK – GIVE LOVE!

Their school year started in January, and already children are being turned away from the school houses simply because they don’t have money.

I’d been asking God if there’s anything we should do to help. That’s where He & our Bheveni Family step up.

About two weeks ago I came across an awareness event that a missionary friend in Guatemala was doing on Feb. 3rd called One Day/One Lunch. LIGHTBULB!!! This gracious missionary said we could most certainly adopt her idea to raise awareness & funds for the Bheveni kids who were turned away from school.

Here’s the fork in the road. Some of you will think I’ve gone coo-coo for cocoa puffs, while others will think I’m suddenly somehow closer to God.

I assure you neither of those paths will explain what happened. While reading about One Day/One Lunch, the Lord opened my eyes to see exactly how to adapt it for our community of kids. The name – Love4Lunch, the date to do it, the concept for finding “Cupids” willing to take the idea into their offices, churches & local communities. All within like 10 minutes. For realz.

All God’s big idea. I’m just not that crazy and definitely not that smart.

My sole responsibility in this is to SPREAD the word. God is responsible for the results.  Shew! So I can do this! (Yes another fundraiser!) I can do this because I’m not responsible for how it turns out! If it’s a colossal failure, it’s not because of me! If it’s a success, it’s not because of me! SWEET!!!

So WHAT in the blazes am I talking about?

CLICK THIS LINK – GIVE LOVE!

LOVE4LUNCH!!!! L4L events are popping up all over the place thanks to God & our Bheveni community (you know, the ones who are chatty & amazing & yada yada yada…)!

- Here in Minnesota at least 3 local schools are giving their staff the opportunity to Love4Lunch.

-In Louisiana, a grass-roots fashion entrepreneur who is pregnant & really should be resting, is selling tickets to a noon hour fashion show at a fancy lakeside restaurant!

-In Texas, a company is offering a matching grant simply because their best employee asked!!!

-In Tennessee, H.O.S.T. (Helping Others by Serving Together) led by a woman who MUST be the granddaughter of E.F. Hutton. (Seriously, she talks, people listen!!!) is sponsoring a pancake breakfast, auction and even a blood drive on Tuesday!

-In Mississippi, Washington, Colorado, South Carolina families are skipping a meal together!

…and the list goes on! It’s happening! Individual people are giving up lunch & inspiring others to do the same, so life can be a bit sweeter for children most have never met.

How about you?

On Tuesday will you skip lunch & give the money instead towards the education of children who have EVERYTHING working against them, except God! Your lunch may cost ya $3.00 or maybe even $10 if you & a buddy head to Chipotle for a Barbacoa (which weighs about the size of a chubby newborn). Skip it JUST once!

If you don’t have a local event, you can give online quite easily.

CLICK THIS LINK – GIVE LOVE!

So I just wanted to share the love & enthusiasm that a G0d-inspired idea is creating!

Here’s to NOT having lunch together on Tuesday! XOXOXO

Shine On! 

Danielle

ps. There’s still time for you to ask your peeps to join you. Click this link to find out even more about how to spread L4L to your community of friends & co-workers. Love4Lunch Page

 

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THE BIG DEAL!

November 27, 2011 in Across Our Table, Across Our World, Swaziland with 0 Comments

Today is Cyber Monday. The internet’s version of Black Friday.

This just screams Christmas, doesn't it?

I’m willing to bet your morning inbox is filled with subject lines like this:

—>ONE DAY ONLY: Save 65% on a Burnt Chocolate Candle your Grandma will pretend to love

—>CLEARANCE!!! Imported handmade by a 6 year old in India knit scarf specially priced at $42.50

—>FREE SHIPPING!!! Don’t miss anyone on your list – Bulk order gifts to stuff everyone’s stockings!!!*

wowzer.

what.a.deal.

You can ask anyone who knows me, I love a good deal! I love the feeling that I’m getting something for nothing, especially at Christmastime. In fact there’s an adrenaline rush that goes along with it. Perhaps that’s why we Americans go ga-ga for 3a.m. Black Friday sales & Cyber Monday extravaganzas… we love getting a deal even more than we love giving the gift! 

I found a deal even better than all of this – the deal of the millennium!

You can give a gift that will be forgotten before New Year’s or…

You have the chance to change a child’s life forever!

Use Cyber Monday to Change the Story for a child in Swaziland, Africa and do it in honor of one of your family members!

Instead of spending $$$ to give Grandma the sweet smell of burnt chocolate, give her a gift that gives life. Spend the $$$ HERE, then write Grandma a festive note saying her Christmas gift is extra special this year, it’s bringing life & education to orphaned and at-risk children in Swaziland!**

All joking aside, if we as Christians truly believe Jesus is the Reason for the Season, if we truly believe heaven is for real, and that we are the Body of Christ here on earth, we will ACT on those eternal truths, we will GIVE as Christ has commanded… and we’ll do it with JOY!!!!

Learn to do right; Take up the cause of the fatherless

“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’

“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because

   I was hungry and you gave me no meal, 
   I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 
   I was homeless and you gave me no bed, 
   I was shivering and you gave me no clothes, 
   Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’ Matthew 25:37-40

Do you see Jesus in her eyes?

“Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. Matthew 6:20-21

As you will read if you click HERE, as a family, we are each giving up one Christmas present this year and instead putting that money to better, eternal use by participating in Change Their Story. As much as I want my children to love the holiday season, I don’t want them to love the greedy, commercialized version. Giving up one Christmas gift so that a child across the world can have a better life seems like a great way to celebrate Jesus’ birthday! I challenge you & your family to do the same – to Give it UP! You may be surprised how willing they are to put Christ back into Christmas!

Shine On!!!!

Danielle

—>> How are you making Christmas more meaningful & Christ-centered for your family this year? I’d love to hear your ideas & insights! <<—

*fine print: Hello Kitty bookmarks sold in bulk quantities only – must spend $200 to get free shipping offer.

**BONUS: Not only will you save & protect childrens’ lives, trust me, you’ll totally be Gma’s new favorite grandkid! Now THAT’s a deal!!!

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You Are The Weakest Link

November 13, 2011 in Across My Heart, Across Our Table with 2 Comments

You ARE the weakest link!

There’s been very few times in my life that I’ve been more aware of how weak I am.

I can’t say I ever walk around uber-confident or super close to God… but the past few weeks, faced with people & situations that seem beyond ‘fixable’ I am more acutely aware of how frail I am.

I find myself wanting to run away from the daily struggles that remind me of my frailty; to escape the magnifying glass of challenges, mistakes and failures…

I see my husband’s heart for orphaned and at-risk children, and join him in his desire to do more, to give our plans, our lives to answer the call of Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do right, seek justice; Defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

We’re both sick of life as usual and spending our time doing things that don’t have eternal significance. Yet the doors just haven’t opened for us to give our full-time attention to it so we sit with this desire for ‘more’, trying to be content where we are and faithful at our current jobs. Waiting is not our speciality.

The expanse between where we are and where we want to be seems too wide and too deep. The battle between reality & desire rages on and it has taken a toll on all of our relationships. It’s in these battles that I want to retreat and RUN for comfort and peace anywhere I can find it… usually into the arms of Facebook and chocolate.

Then I see my ten year old son, who was diagnosed with a form of autism called Aspergers Syndrome (AS), being left out & bullied at school because he’s weird and literally doesn’t know how to be a friend. Our family of four often walks on pins & needles not knowing when or where the chaos of AS will explode. I long to protect him not just from others, but from himself.

I’ve put off getting him the help he needs outside of school for several reasons, but mostly because I’ve been in denial & not willing to invest money I don’t have for the tools of therapy and other things he needs. I think to get him the help he truly needs, it will take every ounce of my time & strength and that there will be nothing left of me.

Someone slap me!  How selfish!

I seriously don’t think anyone can understand unless they have a child with special needs, how heartbreaking & lonely it can be for the entire family as they discover how to adapt and live so their child can learn and thrive.

I guess I just poured out my guts to you because I want to be vulnerable and stop denying that I am too weak to handle life’s curve balls. Don’t you ever get sick of pretending you’re okay?

The past three days especially, I’ve wanted to r.u.n. But unlike the days before, I’ve r.a.n. to Jesus. I’ve been crying out, “God!!!! I suck!!!!! I can’t get it together!!!!” (I think God likes it when we talk to Him as a friend, and not try to impress Him with religious vocabulary.) And do you know what God says? Well, nothing audible at this point, but I’ve been drawn more to the Word – to read His love letters to me

…to rest in Him

…to seek Him (not His plan)

…to fall in love with Him again (and not settle for phony fixes).

He’s reminding me that I am supposed to be weak. When I’m weak and I run TO Him, He takes that weakness, that humility that says “I can’t do it without You, God” and He infuses His peace, His comfort, and His strength to get through what life brings. This is what I want my husband and sons to see – Christ’s strength working through my weak hands & faint heart to pour His love through to them and others.

So instead of running away & hiding our weaknesses, lets all step back and realize God isn’t keeping score on how well we hold it all together. He’s waiting (with open arms) for us to run to Him, acknowledging our brokenness, surrendering our definition of strength, and trust Him for the journey and the outcome.

Has life gotten messy & confusing for you too? Are you waiting for a door of opportunity to open? Where do you run to when you are at your weakest?

 

 

 

 

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Light The Way

January 13, 2011 in Across My Heart, Across Our Table with 0 Comments

He’s talented in many areas. At the forefront of his talents is the way he loves his family. But the dude’s got such a way with words… be inspired, be encouraged, and be moved. Oh yeah and after you read this, be sure to visit his blog for more insightful posts. Mike Brower’s Blog

~~~

Do you ever wonder where you are, how you got here, or where to go from here? I do. Some days…All. The. Time! I seem to have this internal curiosity that goes unfulfilled with the answers I come up with. While helping my sons to get ready for school this morning, I happened upon a bit of insight that I believe will help.

In the midst of lunch making, snow boots finding, and a bit of yelling, I shared a Bible verse with my boys. In sharing with them, I received a new revelation on this simple text. The verse:

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet,

and a light to my path.”

This verse has been a long time companion for me. I fondly recall knowing that this was my mom’s “favorite verse” from the Bible. When I was a young boy, my dad created a wall plaque of this verse from a simple board and routed letters – he and I “made” it together! I remember this verse hanging by the front door of our home, most visible when going out into the world.

...and a light unto my path

I’ve often thought of the verse and prayed that it’s truth would be real in my life. I’ve thought of the verse’s meaning and interpreted it to mean that God’s word will show me where I am, and show me where I’m going.

This morning as I was reading to the boys and talking a bit about these concepts, a new light shone on this passage. It was a welcome insight to start the day.

Not only does God’s word show us where we are in this life, his word reveals the path to travel on. There’s a subtle difference here. The focus is no longer on where I am going. The focus is on where I am supposed to go!

An image came to my mind’s eye. Picture midnight in a Narnian woods, or perhaps the spooky woods from the Wizard of Oz. I was alone in that dark wood, my lantern in hand, I could see a few feet out. I knew where I was at. The air was black, heavy, and a bit spooky. As I looked about for direction there was none to be found. I could not see anything beyond the light of my lamp and all signs of direction were gone.

As I pondered the verse, something began to appear in the woods of my mind. A path way extending from the edge of my lamp’s light woven out into the darkened grove. Slowly the glow grew out before me and I became aware, not only of where I was, but where I was to go.

God’s word is available to us to reveal our current condition, and to show us where to go.

I was encouraged by this simple adjustment. So often we wonder if we are focused where we’re supposed to be. Are we headed in the right direction? Are we following Jesus in the way that he’s called us to? We ask, “How do I know God’s will and plan for my life?”

Today this little verse near the center of the Bible reminded me that we’ve been given a letter that answers our question. The path has already been illuminated. We need to intentionally see it.

Blessings to you in your quest!

 

 

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Please Don’t Send Me To Africa!

August 30, 2010 in Across My Heart, Across Our Table, Across Our World, Swaziland with 0 Comments

Africa.

I knew two things about it as a kid.

{And I use the word “knew” loosely!}

1. It was big &  had millions of hungry kids who never heard about God. (Remember me telling you how my dad would cry when we watched the “Feed the Children” infomercials?)

2. I should never go there. I mean, there is even a song written & performed by Scott Wesley Brown called Please Don’t Send Me To Africa! Here’s part of the song.

Please don’t send me to Africa

I don’t think I’ve got what it takes

I’m just a man, I’m not a Tarzan

Don’t like lions, gorillas or snakes

I’ll serve You here in suburbia

In my comfortable middle class life

But please don’t send me out into the bush

Where the natives are restless at night

……

I’ll see the money is gathered

I’ll see that the money is sent

I’ll wash and stack communion cups

I’ll tithe eleven percent!

I’ll volunteer for the nursery

I’ll go on the youth group retreat

I’ll usher, I’ll deacon, I’ll go door-to-door

Just let me keep warming this seat!

It was all done in good fun, but Africa was clearly a difficult place that only the flakes would dare go (that had no sense at all!)

Know what? I have no sense at all.

I even remember journaling something like, “Lord, I’ll be the crazy one to go to Africa if that’s where you want me.” I wanted so badly to serve God & do whatever He wanted. And “if Africa is the worst place on earth where they don’t know about God, well, I’ll go anyway!”

At age 13, I laid on my pink pillow, on my pink bed, in my pink room, and I begged God, “Lord, Here am I! Send me!” just like Isaiah the prophet. Of course I had NO IDEA what I was saying – only that I wanted to make a difference.

Know what? Until about a year ago, I did not remember this. I was reminded of my prayers when I read Tom Davis’ book, Red Letters, that opened my eyes to the TRUE Africa. Uh-oh! So God had taken me seriously all those years ago, “I’ll EVEN go to Africa, God!” Who knew!

He still hasn’t come through on the ‘don’t let me get fat’ prayer. :)

Here is the Africa I now long for. In less than three weeks, my prayers to go to the ends of the earth will be answered! And God orchestrated it all. I am humbled & so thankful.

“Africa is amazing. Africa is a million and one things. It is a land of contradictions, and a land of great controversy. Africa is more diverse than any other place on the planet. It has experienced the greatest combination of foreign thievery and foreign goodwill. It is plagued with individuals who are hurting, dirty, and dying. It is plagued with rich leaders. It is strong, joyful and resilient. Africa is filled to the brim with song, dance and soccer. It fills your lungs with life with every burnt breath. It fills your eyes with tears with every sight. The sun blazes, the rain pours. It has more sky than your eyes could possibly take in. Africa is humbling. Africa rips the heart out of your chest and buries it in the rich red soil, knowing that you will someday return, to see the growth. And there is no doubt it will grow. Africa is dangerous, welcoming, and addictive. It is prosperous. It is poor. It is all too overwhelming. Africa knows the value of friendship. Time is not money in Africa. And money goes a long way. Africa holds a mirror up to your soul – letting you see all your selfish desires, and not letting go, until you’re completely broken.” Unknown!!!

So Moms, don’t let go of the things God put in your heart long ago! Recall those innocent prayers of doing whatever, whenever God wanted. And listen to your kids’ desires & dreams – my parents never once told me I wouldn’t go to Africa. They let me dream until I moved onto my next big idea.

Of course, our children’s’ lives will take many turns, but I encourage you to stir up those innocent dreams in yourself & your children – even if it takes you half way around the world!

Nothing is too big for God – not even Africa!

SOS! Shine On Sisters!

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Power of Written Encouragement

July 26, 2010 in Across My Heart, Across Our Street, Across Our Table, Friendship with 0 Comments

John Maxwell – The Power of Words on a Page John Maxwell posted this yesterday & I thought I’d share it with you. It seems fitting after our Beveni Outpouring 72 campaign.

Nineteenth-century writer Walt Whitman struggled for years to get anyone interested in his poetry. He became very discouraged. But then he received a note that read:

Dear sir, I am not blind to the worth of the wonderful gift of Leaves of Grass. I find it the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed. I greet you at the beginning of a great career.

It was signed by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I can’t help but wonder what might have happened to Whitman had Emerson not invested in him by writing those kind words. That note must have been like fresh air to Whitman, who breathed in its encouragement and was inspired to keep writing.

You don’t have to be a professional writer like Emerson to make a difference in someone’s life. Just taking the time to write a note of encouragement is evidence of your willingness to invest in that person.

from 25 Ways to Win with People

I honestly enjoyed the planning & execution of Beveni Outpouring 72. I love when a team comes together, dedicating themselves to a higher purpose, outside of their own benefit. If you aren’t familiar with the Outpouring 72, Read This Post. Basically we took 72 hours to infiltrate all of the Facebook & Twitterdom worlds, asking everyone to give to 132 kids at our Carepoint in Swaziland who need some basic supplies such as Tylenol, band-aids, school supplies, shoes, etc. 72 hours to raise $7200.

Well we didn’t meet our goal by the end of hour 72, but we did raise a proud $2300! Like one of my friends said, that $2300 more than the Beveni kids had before the weekend started. Hope has been created and word has been spread about their needs!

But off & on I would find myself fighting feelings of discouragement that more people didn’t give. If you’d like to read how ashamed I was that I google, ‘how to get people to give to online charity‘ read this brief post Confessions of a Fundraiser.

You know how God helped me through? He helped me through you! Through the givers!

Here is a sampling of emails I received from people who took the time to encourage me along with their donation!

  • Hopefully it’ll help you reach your goal! Thank you SO MUCH for your willingness to step into the unknown, leaving what many of us would consider your safety zone, and embrace the adventure that God has provided.
  • And bless you for your sweet and compassionate heart!!!
  • Keep up the spirit!  Have a great evening! :)
  • Great Job! Your generosity will be no small thing to the children of Beveni!!!!
  • I was thinking about you and wanted to say how impressed and proud I am of you with all your work your doing with raising money. Please tell me more about your trip your taking to Africa. Also I am very impressed with your mom blog. You are very encouraging to me on many days.
  • Thank-you for all you are doing for these kids in Swaziland!! You are such a Blessing!
  • I just wanted to tell you how much I’m enjoying your Moms4Change blog and following the Beveni Carepoint happenings on Facebook. What a great thing you have going with Moms4Change. Sounds like an awesome group!
  • Any there were more!

Encouraging words are like a breath of fresh air just at the right time ~ just ask Whitman or myself!

Find someone in your life today that could use some encouraging words. Call or write them a note telling them how proud you are to be their friend!

Shine On Sisters!


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The Missing Peace!

July 20, 2010 in Across My Heart, Across Our Table, Mom Matters with 3 Comments

The Missing Peace!

They screamed. I screamed. We all screamed…

Not for ice cream, though I could’ve used some today. My kids fought most of the afternoon about one thing or another – who tooted on who, who’s turn it was to pick up the dog poop, who stole money from the Monopoly bank, etc. etc.

But did I come to the rescue with laughter or a calm attitude? Nope. They were screaming at the each other, so the obvious answer was for me to scream louder, right? So I screamed, “PEACE!!!!”

All I wanted was for them to get along & play Monopoly peacefully. I could think of no other word (okay, well, I could, but PEACE is what came out, thank God!) Unfortunately my scream scared my seven year old and made him cry all the harder & louder. Ugh. I wanted a do over. And the only way to get it was to create peace – not just scream about it.

Ever have a day like that?

~~~~~

Peace.

An amazing word that nearly evokes a sigh of relief when spoken (not screamed). A word that seems to breath hope at its very mention. Peace. We long for it. We seek after it. And many times we are left questioning, “Why don’t I have any?”

In this world we live in, how can we truly ever have peace or hope of peace? Won’t there always be conflict & turmoil? Won’t there always be famine & disease?

Yes. It’s true. But true peace does not come from everything in our lives being perfectly in order. Nor does it come from being accepted or being popular.

Do you hear that?

You will NEVER achieve peace if you are looking for some outside force to bring it to you.

Success.

Relationships.

Sex.

Donuts.

Money.*

Peace comes from within. You may have heard that before, but are you living as if you believe peace comes from within or without?

God’s peace is not a promise of the absence of turmoil, but a promise of peace during crisis & chaos. I can think of no greater comfort than knowing that God’s peace is available to me regardless of my circumstances.

Isaiah 53 says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Did you catch that? It was Christ’s punishment that brought us peace. We already have peace because of His suffering & His punishment.

So how do I live according to that peace Christ died for?  And how do I communicate that peace to my children without duct taping their mouths? (Did I just write that?)

  • Seek the Giver of Peace ~ “Turn away from evil & do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” Ps. 34:14 – Action is required when pursuing peace.
  • Release the Care ~ “So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; He is most careful with you.” 1 Peter 5:7 I love that God is careful with me. He is tender with me as a mother is with her newborn baby. He loves & holds us close.

Corrie Ten Boom said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of sorrows; it empties today of strength.”

  • Create an Attitude of Thankfulness ~ your attitude determines your altitude. Find the things & people in your life that you can be thankful for in the midst of a difficult time. We don’t necessarily thank God for the turmoil or chaos or disaster, but we thank Him in the midst of it, knowing that He says all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
  • Don’t Give Up ~ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Your story, God’s story through you, IS NOT OVER!!!

So today I hope you are encouraged to seek & stir up the peace that is already within you.

When you are stressed & ready to duct tape someone’s mouth shut, how do you respond? :)

SOS! Shine On Sisters

*not listed in order of importance, mind you

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Stir up the Lovin’!

July 9, 2010 in Across My Heart, Across Our Table, Mom Matters with 2 Comments

I’d like to hear from my readers today! Tell us all something extra special about one of your kids – your daughter’s beautiful smile, your boy’s adventurous spirit, his tender heart, her latest accomplishment… Or share one of your best memories together ~ like the time your four-year-old  ratted you out as the one that passed gas at the table (oh wait, that was my son!).

I find that when I remember the good times with my kiddos, is often when I’m stirred to create new good times! How about you?

Stir up the lovin’! What’s great about your little bambinos?

Shine On Sisters!

P.S. Hey, you don’t have to be a writer to leave a comment! Just say it as it comes! It works for me! Besides, how often does someone actually ask you to brag on your kids? Exactly!

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Public Humiliation Bites

June 24, 2010 in Across My Heart, Across Our Table, Mom Matters with 6 Comments

My kids are at the zoo. {Shout out to the Gpa & Gma! Holla!!!}

I’m guessing they’ll see a few of our relatives there, specifically in the orangutan exhibit. No, I’m not an evolutionist, but boy those animals sure look like my long lost Uncle Emmett, with less hair.

2 shots of public humiliation with that, please!

While the kids are at the zoo, I’m sitting here looking for inspiration at another zoo of sorts. Barnes & Noble Cafe. Have you seen some of the people who frequent this joint? Me included. This is great content just waiting to be written!

One table across the way has caught my eye & ear. Allow me to briefly set the scene. A girl, probably 19, skinny with a very low-cut scarlet red shirt. A boy, who looks like Twilight’s Jacob (and seems to know it). And then there’s the gal that completes the trio. I’ll call her Wanda. She’s middle-aged. Short unkempt hair, glasses & a classic pair of mom jeans. {I think they saw me staring, cuz they just left} Oh well, more wi-fi for me! Just kidding.

The two youngsters (I can say that cuz I’m in my mid-thirties) Scarlet & Jacob pull out their PC laptops. Not even MacBooks!  That should’ve been a clue that something was about to go very wrong. They spend the next 40 minutes explaining to Wanda how Facebook works. They hold nothing back. Scarlet even decides to set Wanda up with a FB account, on the spot. How thoughtful.

While I’m trying to find inspiration from heaven, and look completely interested in what I’m not doing, I hear bits & pieces of their conversation. I can not believe how condescending Scarlet’s teaching methods come across. And I’m shocked that Wanda lets it happen! Wanda even dares touch the laptop much to the loud chagrin of Scarlet. The entire B&N Cafe hears, “Don’t move it like that! Unless you want to buy me a new one!” Jacob chuckles. Wanda doesn’t.

Why am I telling you this? Because I’m Scarlet. Not literally. But I act like Scarlet & her sidekick Jacob, specifically with my kids. I know I do. Even in public, I talk down to them like I’m the Great and Powerful Oz possessing of all the world’s knowledge and they just arrived from Kansas with their little dog.

I often resent the “why?” I get asked at least 27 times a day.

Even though these two were actually taking time with her, I felt so bad for Wanda. She just wanted to learn how to use FaceBook. I don’t think she ordered up a shot of arrogance & public humiliation with her tutorial.

Next time someone needs our help let’s remember a few things :

  • I am not Oz. I am not superior because I have knowledge.
  • The person (including our kids & parents) are not stupid. Everyone deserves respect.
  • There are still things we need to learn. I think we reap what we sow. Let’s sow patience & understanding when we want to flaunt how much they don’t know!

So yeah, I feel like I pried into the lives of strangers. I kind of did. But I learned an important lesson during my time of people-watching at the local Barnes & Noble Zoo. When we talk down to people – our kids, the waitress, our parents, our co-workers, we do nothing to lift ourselves up. When we patronize, we look ridiculous & I can guarantee our help will not be solicited twice. Let’s teach the way we want to be taught, with patience, kindness, and encouragement.

I’d love to hear your perspective. Have you ever been on the receiving end of public humiliation?

Shine On Sisters!

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