She Speaks!

Yes, I am here. No, I haven't fallen off the face of the planet. I have simply let life and all of its demands get the best of me. I am homeschooling now and with 2 girls with me 24/7, there is precious little time left for myself. This particular post has been spurred on because of a contest I am entering.

You may have heard of a little organization called Proverbs31 Ministries. If you haven't, you owe it to yourself to check it out here. There you'll meet Lysa and Renee, whose transparancy will remind you that we're all in this spiritual walk together. Anyway, Proverbs 31 hosts the She Speaks Conference each year for those who feel called to ministry through writing, speaking and leading womens ministries. I am currently leading the women's group in my church, but find myself struggling with choosing the right curriculum, giving the right encouragement, promoting our group, and even how to write my own devotionals for the group. This is what the conference teaches. My only hesitation is the money. While the cost is certainly justifiable, it isn't cheap. And my finances, like most, are spread thin already. (Remember, we are self-employed!)

But, there is hope. I have the opportunity to win a scholarship that would cover everything except my travel expenses. This post is my entry into the contest. I know its a longshot, but I'm stepping out in faith. I constantly struggle with feelings of inadequacy when it comes to ministry. When I struggle to increase attendance for our women's group, I often think that maybe God is trying to tell me that this just isn't in His plan.

HIS plan...not mine. That's what I want to follow. So, I will trust God here, as well. If it is meant to be, God will make a way. Otherwise, I will continue trying to do my best to be a good servant.

For more information go to SheSpeaksConference.Org or to enter to win a scholarship of your own, visit LysaTerKeurst.com.

I'm Offended!

Wow! Go Glen Beck! Preach it, brother! Tonight, he's pointing out how God is present, in name or symbolically, in nearly every historical monument in Washington. And yet, people still try to claim that America is not about God. Our founders escaped those who sought to persecute them for their beliefs, and many of today's immigrants are here for the same reason. They can believe whatever they want, but why are Americans afraid to stand up for "one nation under GOD"?

When someone comes into your home, do you change the rules to suit them? Not likely. So why does our government keep trying to accomodate those who believe differently? Why are so many offended by the mention of God's name and if so, why did they come here in the first place? I'm not against foreigners, the same applies to some of our own citizens. The fact remains that America was founded on Christian principles, and up until the last 25 years or so, we were proud of that. Why do we try to hide that now?

Non-Christians, be happy that you are free to worship whomever you choose. NOW, LET ME BE FREE TO DO THE SAME! I celebrate CHRISTMAS, not a "holiday". Why should I care about offending you? Nobody cares about offending me by refusing to display the Ten Commandments, or calling December 25 a holiday instead of what it is, the recognition of the birth of Jesus Christ. I AM OFFENDED!! Maybe I should hire my own civil rights attorney to defend my right to say "Merry Christmas".

Grace and Forgiveness

So, my kids have been in their new school for about a month now. They're adjusting, but still wish they could be back at the old one. My 8-year old has been having trouble with a bully - another 8-year old girl. Before seeing her, I had this preconceived idea of what she would look like. Probably much bigger than my super skinny daughter. Or, perhaps there was something that made her "different" from the other kids, so she picks on my kid to divert attention away from herself. But then I saw this girl, she was remarkable normal, cute even.

Anyhow, I digress. It started as a simple, "You're stupid." ("Stupid" being considered the S-word in my house.) More remarks followed.

"You don't wear a bra?! That's gross!" (Did I mention she's EIGHT YEARS OLD?)

"Your teeth are bigger than your mama's butt." (Don't I wish!)

"Your mom's car is ugly, it looks fat." (Change "fat" to "phat" and its not so bad.)

And the absolute worst...

"You have a fat *ss." (Seriously, my daughter is built like a string bean!)

Everyday I listened as my sweet girl told me the latest insults of the day. My initial reaction on the first day was advising my daughter to give it right back. "Tell her its gross to wear a bra when you don't have boobs." By the next morning, I had cleared my head enough to realize this was a great opportunity to teach her about grace and forgiveness. We talked about possible reasons why this girls had chosen to go after her, and decided that our best line of defense would be to counter the insults with compliments. "No matter what she says to you, tell her you like her shirt, or her hair is pretty, or what cool shoes she is wearing."

A few days passed and it seemed nothing would make this girl cease and desist. The compliments didn't deter her, although they did leave her with a look of confusion. Then, one night before dinner, as I was saying our blessing, just before the "Amen", Kenley said, "Mom, don't forget about "Suzie".

Well, how about that? She gets it. She understands that love is the answer, God forgives so why shouldn't we, and most importantly, that praying works.

I was beaming! We prayed that God would change "Suzie's" heart and help her learn to be a nicer person. Those prayers went out Monday night AND Tuesday night.

So today, I'm pulling through the carpool line, and instead of looking for my own kid, I'm watching out for "Suzie". In the past, she has given me these glaring, hateful looks as I drove by. Scary faces to see on a child. So I spot her, but she didn't see me yet. She was distracted by the girl beside her, the one with her arm around "Suzie's" shoulder. Hey, that girls looks like...WAIT...that's MY girl! My jaw hit the floor! Kenley spotted me and ran to jump in the car, grinning from ear to ear. "Wh...wh...but...I thought...how..." Kenley said, "She asked me today if I would be her friend and promised not to be mean to me anymore." "Wow!", I said. "God answered our prayers."

I praised Kenley for her ability to not only forgive this girl for all she had done, but then to become her friend. I told her that's just how God loves us. We do all kinds of things that hurt Him, but He never leaves our side - that's forgiveness. He loves us even though we don't always deserve it - that's grace.

"Train a child up in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
--Proverbs 22:6

In Case I Forgot To Mention It

Today, did you do anything to let those close to you know how you feel about them? I'll be the first to admit that I have much room for improvement in this area. I tell my kids I love them each morning and night, a quick "I love you" whenever I talk to my husband on the phone, but other than that...

Today was the last day for my girls at their current school. In an effort to be more fiscally frugal, we have taken them out of private school. They begin public school tomorrow. Luckily for us, we have great county schools. One county away, this would not be an option. We are disappointed that they won't have Bible classes anymore, but we can take care of that at home and at church. Anyhow, my older daughter was surprised Friday when her teacher presented her with a poster that read "We will miss you!", and was signed by nearly everyone in the 3rd grade. Some just signed their names, but several wrote little messages to her. She said she didn't know that many people liked her that much. I replied, "Why didn't you know?" After the blank stare, I explained to her that people don't know how we feel unless we tell them. We may act friendly, or play together, but the only real way to be sure our friends know we love them is to tell them.

How many people in your life know how much you care? I mean really care. Take the time to let them know. Saying "I love you" isn't enough. After a while, it becomes routine and eventually loses its effect. There are many more ways to say it -- take a friend to lunch, leave a note in your child's bookbag, leave a post-it note on the bathroom mirror for your spouse, make a friendship bracelet (my kids favorite!), bake something yummy even when there's no special occasion, or even just a phone call to say "hi". Whatever it is, whomever it is, do it now. Tell them now. You may not have another chance. Look at all the special friendships my daughter missed out on just because neither knew the other even cared.

---Tell someone you care...today!

Oh, and in case I forgot to mention it, I love you guys!

Respect for Authority

This republican thinks that we all need to save our complaints for the important issues. I try to teach my kids to respect ALL those in authority, not just the ones I voted for. Romans 13:2 says, "anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted". That doesn't mean I have to agree, it just means I am commanded by God to show my respect.


Obama isn't the first President to speak to our students; Bush did it. Even our beloved Reagan did it. Why didn't anyone protest then about politics entering our schools? I have read President Obama's speech. Before you pass judgement, maybe you should, too. I am all for ANYONE who wants to encourage my kids to stay in school, and work hard at it, and to strive to achieve their goals. Here I am, a 39 year old college freshman, finally doing what I wish I had done 21 years ago. Maybe if more people had encouraged me then, I would already be a nurse now.


Our children are the future of our country. We owe it to them to do everything we can to equip them for what lies ahead. If we don't, the state of our union now will seem mild compared to what they will be facing. I want my kids to learn how to make their own informed decisions. I will admit that I am not a fan of Obama, but I try not to openly gripe about him in front of my kids. I hear more and more stories about children arguing in school about Obama. These are elementary aged kids, what do they know about politics? Only what they hear from their parents. They don't even understand it, but they think they have to defend whatever their parents believe. If you ask a child why they like or dislike the President, they can't give a valid reason. Children should be spending less time debating issues they know nothing about, and more time building on their education.


It begins at home. We, as parents, are ultimately responsible. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." This goes for the bad as well as the good. Plant a pumpkin seed, you get pumpkins. Teach love and tolerance, and you will get kids who look for the good in all things. What do you want for your kids? Think hard about how your words and actions today affect your child's words and actions tomorrow.

This Little Light of Mine

Our garage is in the basement and sometimes, when we come home at night, we like to tease each other by turning out the lights in the stairwell. The girls always let out a squeal as their daddy starts going "OOOOH, OOOOH", like some ghostly figure in Scooby Doo. There are no windows near our stairs, so when the lights go out its darker than dark. You can't even see your hand in front of your face. Its only when the lights come back on that we can find our way up.

Salvation is just like that. In John 3:3 Jesus said, "Unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God." John 3:19 compares salvation with light stating that God is the Light but the people loved darkness more because of their evil ways.

In the same way that light in our homes illuminates our way, it also shows us the dusty tables and floors and imperfections in our walls. As sinners, we tried to avoid the Light because our own imperfections would be exposed. But eventually, in the darkness, we just could no longer find our way. We were spiritually blind.

Jesus is the Light of The World. By turning to Him, our pathway is easier to see and though some dust may remain, only by seeing it can we be wiped clean. And just like coming home on a dark night, only in the Light can you find your way up.

Basic Needs

We've all heard it before. The necessities for life are food, water and shelter. But really, you could live without shelter. Not pleasantly, but a few leaves or a good hole in the ground would suffice. What's left? Food and water... anything else? What about sunlight? Without it the earth would freeze, leaving every living thing to die.

But, have you ever related your physical needs to what is required to sustain your spiritual life?

Food - "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again." John 6:35

Water - "Those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." (John 4:13)

Light - "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." (John 8:12)

We know how far most people would go to get their basic needs. Fulfilling your spiritual needs is way simpler. God is waiting, always ready to feed you, quench you and light your way. No grocery store lines, waiting lists or SPF numbers.