40 Days

40 Days is a really long time!

But then again, 40 Days isn't really that long at all...

We are abundantly blessed that our ministry is blooming right now. We are seeing some of the first fruits and beginning growth of our last 2 years of dedication on this journey. I think it is fit timing that we are experiencing this awesomeness during the 40 days of Lent. This is a time we spend focused on Him and what He has given us. There is a huge opportunity as our mission explodes for us to step into the flesh and try harder to make this all work, but this time of year we try SO hard to do the opposite. We desire to let Him step into our flesh and do His work with and through us.

So needless to say, even though me the person, now on day two without chocolate (that's my sacrifice to honor His sacrifice) and a to-do list of about 372,914 things I should be overwhelmed. But I find myself peaceful. My house is mostly tidy, (Big shout out to the FLY lady!) My chores are mostly kept up with. I'm on track with my health and fitness goals. I'm staying upbeat with my children, fulfilling my roles of Mommy, Teacher & Friend. I'm building new bridges, strengthening old ones and enjoying the ride! My stress is low most of the time and I'm spending lots of time reading!

I want to say life is spectacular right now. But then when I think about it and all the requirements and opportunities at my door I begin to panic. NO way on Earth can I do this!!! (That is a fact.) Sometimes the panic is paralyzing.

Let's hope I can remember, for the next 40 days (and beyond) that He is in charge. That seems like a really long time to learn this lesson, but then again, if I think about it I can spend each day worrying that 40 days is not nearly long enough for me to actually learn and change. Then where will I be?

Answered Prayers

Hello Readers!

Today I've come to tell you that our one of our prayers has been answered! We have been asking the Lord for workers for His harvest and partners in this mission field and after three years of daily prayer as a family our prayer has been answered.

The Lord has brought a wonderful family back into our lives that we knew years ago. Over the years He has given us both things to over come and rejoice and He has prepared us to unite and share the Greatness of our Saviour to the mission field we pledged ourselves to about 2 years ago.

We are SO pleased with this blessing and look so forward to growing together, challenging one another to Love and be more like Christ. To hold us accountable to our calling and partner with us as we grow the Kingdom in Richardson, Texas.

This is offering a revival to our house and on the cusp of Lent! I believe God will be moving in BIG ways over the coming days, weeks and months.

"churches?"

I think I need a new word for a group of Christians that gather. Lately, the use of the word "church" has been getting to me.

So many times, it feels like we use the word in ways that divide instead of unite "The Church," the Body of Christ.

For example, we have different types of churches - organic church, emergent church, Catholic Church, protestant church, etc.

Or we describe church as a specific place or group of people - "my church," the church on the corner of..., etc.

Isn't Church supposed to be uniting? We are one Body, with Christ as the head. We are His Church.

What are some other ways to describe the people of Christ in their unique environments? I'd like to try using them and be more selective in my use of "Church."

I know it's semantics, but I wonder if it will help me speak my heart more clearly to those around me.

Middle of the Night Phone Call

Most of us dread hearing the phone ring in the wee hours of the night. Not just because it is disturbing our beauty sleep but because there is usually difficult to hear news on the other end. Occasionally, you'll get the phone call because a child has arrived during the night (as was the case with our two younger children). Either way your nerves are set on edge.

Moments like these, when the one in need is feeling desperate and alone, and the one trying to help is feeling desperate and alone there is only one presence that can calm all nerves; removing all anxiety and allow order to be restored. Sometimes order is restored very quickly and other times order takes years to appear.

Tonight, I am thankful to have a wonderful neighbor, comfortable enough to call on me in her time of need. Lord I pray that her heart is well and that when she calls on me again that I have been thoroughly prepared by your Word to assist her and any others that you've brought for me to love.

What Celebraties Name their Babies

Does it matter?

Well, it matters to a lot of people. I love to hear about babies being born and the details of names and birth stats, the significance of it all and the awesomeness of the experience. Do I think it odd when a baby is given a name like Apple, Blue or Exton? Well, yeah, a little I guess. But I also think it odd when regular people name their babies things like Braxton or Bella. Not that I don't like those names, but for all names listed I wouldn't name my children that.

But let's think for a second. What does the hottest, most popular, fashion forward, muilt-millionaire couple name their baby?? Like one reporter said, "Come on! You'd be disappointed if they named her Lisa" haha!

I think the problem people really have about what, especially famous and rich entertainers name their babies is that those individuals are showing the world that the rules don't apply to them. They are special! They don't have to name their babies John, Mary, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Kaitlyn, Matthew or any other 'normal people' names because they are not normal people.

So the question is, what 'rules' are you conforming to that you don't have to? You are a Christian, special on those terms and there are LOTS of rules that you shouldn't be applying to your life. Unfortunately it's been my experience that Christianity has only opened the door on rules that you should be conforming to.

Really people??

"O, you love God? Well, then you can't dance like this, be friends with people like that, or talk like this or do things like that" (Yes, I'm purposefully fague, you fill in the details).

Instead of focusing on what we can't do legally as Christians, let's focus on what we can do. We CAN offer the path to Forgiveness, Grace, Peace, Unconditional Love, Eternal Life, Acceptance and the list can go on.

After all, "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love." Psalm 103:8

Let's celebrate that and allow it to be a gift of freedom, not chains of enslavement. The societal rules of this world don't apply to us.