Shaken a Little

Not knowing what this evening would be like, I scheduled a couple pictures and a light-hearted note to post this evening...  First of all, let me start by saying, Danny's just fine.

That said, Danny was shoved today and fell and hit his head.  {{HARD.}}

It was the absolute worst thing I've ever endured watching.  I know that some of you out there (particularly those who have children who are very sick) have endured watching your child suffer so much more... but for me, this was the worst injury I've seen him take, and I did NOT enjoy it.

I'm a little shaken up, to be honest.

We have a 75 pound, loving, goofy, friendly, black lab named Toby who would never hurt a fly, but who is not super well behaved and who is easily excitable.  We're working on this.  This afternoon, before Alejandro got home, Toby was running around the back yard at top speed.  Danny and a baby gate were in his path and he attempted to jump OVER Danny.  He didn't make it.  Toby's hind legs caught Danny's upper torso and sent him flying backwards about six inches off the ground, landing on his back and head.  His head smacked the wooden deck pretty hard.

He screamed and sucked air for a solid 5 minutes while I held him and worked to keep myself together.  Then I grabbed ice and called the Ask-a-Nurse hotline (oh blessed blessed of inventions - I can't tell you how much I've used that thing) and explained what happened.

Danny's okay.  He's cranky and tired and running a mild fever, but he's got no major swelling, no vomiting, delirium, uneven pupils or any other signs of concussion.  Did ya'll hear that (especially to the grandparents)? Danny's doing just fine.  Tonight he's sleeping in our room, and we all get to wake up and party walk around and talk for a few minutes, every 4 hours to make sure he stays fine.

I covet your prayers.  But I covet them for some friends of mine much more than for my own family.  There are three separate women who are close to me who are REALLY hurting tonight.  My heart aches for them.  In order to protect their privacy, I'll keep them nameless, but all three are dealing with major health issues and two have major loss (a baby and a grandparent) to pile on top of that.

Thank you all for lifting up the family of Christ tonight.

In Him,

Utter Gratitude

This morning, around 6:30 a.m., Robin texted me.  She said (to me and to all of us), "Thank you soooooo much.  I will never have the words to adequately express what you've done for our family."

Best text ever.

Tying Up Loose Ends

Hi guys!  Ok, I'm back, with an update on Hailey.  If you're new around here, just scroll down and read the previous two posts to find out what we're up to.  In short, Hailey is a five year old little girl with a life threatening disease of the brain.  She's qualified for a drug trial that is VERY expensive, and so we've been fundraising to help her get the treatment she needs.  We here at MQF* raised $1,000 to help her!  SO COOL!!!

Just tonight, I was chatting with Robin (Hailey's mom) and there is still a small shortage.  Robin was already counting a few pledges that had been promised but not actually donated, and those have not come in...  so they are still $274 short.

Guys, $274 stands between Hailey and a treatment that could save her life.  Robin has no plan B.  Her family has exhausted every resource.  There is nothing else.

I know we thought we'd finished.  I know it's frustrating when there's a hiccup in the road.  But imagine Robin.  Imagine that's your little girl.  We can't stop now.  $10 at a time, we can do this.  It's just $274 measly little dollars.

Please pray.  Please give $10 or more if you can.  Please spread the word.

And THANK YOU in advance!  You guys are the Church in action.

Love,


*MiQueridaFamilia.com

P.S.  I'll continue to update here, on Facebook and on Twitter, so follow along!

UPDATED AT 12:30 a.m. Friday morning:  Ok, I think we're down to under $200!  I haven't heard from Robin...  hopefully because she's sleeping, but that's my best guess as to where we're at.  (Not all donations are coming in through this blog, so that's why it's not all reflected in the Chip In widget.)

UPDATED AT 4 a.m. Friday morning:  And now, I KNOW we're done!  You can see on the Chip In widget we've met and exceeded that last little bit needed!  WOW!!  I LOVE how the Lord moves in the hearts of people!  I will keep it open, so that if you still want to donate, you can. The Visbal family has a LOT they are enduring right now, and if the Lord has moved you to give above and beyond, that will certainly bless them and help to alleviate financial stress. ...Goodness, thank you doesn't seem like enough.  I am so overwhelmed with your generosity and faith!  Through you, God has poured out to overflowing!  And with that... I'll head back to bed.  ;-)   Love, Renee

You guys are AMAZING!!!

I am floored.  Just floored.  Not only did you all come through with all $1,000 that Hailey needs for her drug treatment, therefore making all other donations gravy and extra for her family in this very difficult time... but you did it with two days to spare!

My Dad said this in the comments section of the "Ten" post:

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  God is glorified today!

You know, when we as earthly parents encourage their children, I believe we give them a glimpse of our Heavenly Father's love for them.  When I read this comment, I knew that my earthly Dad was saying, "well done," to his daughter, but I also knew in my spirit that the Heavenly Father was saying (through my Dad), "well done," to all of us who have gathered to lift up Hailey.

Friends, in lifting up Hailey, you have lifted up Jesus.

Would you all please continue to pray for Hailey and her family and spread the word about her?  Let's pray for peace and strength for her family and for the complete success of this drug trial! I will leave the donation button up so if any of you didn't get a chance to give who wanted to, you still can.  The button shows our goal is met, but you are still able to donate if you wish.

And just because this is what has been resonating in my spirit towards you all for the past 24 hours...  thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!

Thank You!

Ten by Ten by Ten

Meet Robin.  Robin is a sister in Christ.  She is a sister Mary Kay consultant.  She's a fellow mom.

Meet Hailey.  Hailey is 5 1/2 years old.  She's Robin's little girl.  Robin says, "She's smart, funny, kind, outgoing, loving and caring.  She loves her baby brother and anything pink. She is amazingly strong and courageous and is my hero."

Hailey has something called Episodic Encephalopathy. Simply put, this means "disease of the brain". In her case, the doctors don't know what's causing it or how to stop the episodes. The encephalopathy has progressed to the point that it's causing irreversable brain damage and is now killing her brain and therefore, killing her.

Hailey has qualified for a drug trial that truly is the only thing left between her and death. Without this special treatment she will likely not survive more than a year. The doctors/treatment cost covered. The drugs are going to cost $3600. All but $1,000 of the costs have been raised.  The deadline to pay for the trial is this Friday, so we have until Thursday evening, the 25th.

In Mary Kay, we do more than just hold each other up in business.  We hold each other up in life.  We let fellow consultants, who would otherwise be strangers, sleep in our guest bed if they are in need.  We pray for each other.  We stand in the gap for one another.  I am one of ten women, who are willing to contribute $10 and find ten more people who will also contribute $10. Would you be one of my ten people?  (Or, actually?  Can we blow this thing out of the water and come up with all $1,000 and let what everyone else raises be extra for her?)

If you'd like to read more about Hailey's condition and her story, just click here.  The Visbal Family is going to need lots of strength, peace, endurance and finances.  I'm asking you for three things:  (1) Prayer. (2) Give just a little bit. Just $10. (3) Spread the word.

Thank you my friends, for being the Church in action.  I love you all and I'm truly thankful that I can reach out to you all.  We've gathered together in the past.  We've blessed Sarah and Beth.  Now let us lift up Hailey.

In His Love,

The Fleshing Out of Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to bring you a hope and a future... ...You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all of your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord... (Jeremiah 29: 11, 13-14)

There are only a handful of Bible verses I know by heart. This is one of them. I cling to it often.

A little over two years ago, one of my best friends, Charmian, learned that she was pregnant. Within a matter of weeks, she learned that she was actually been pregnant with twins and one of them miscarried. Then she would carry the second twin - her sweet Pearce - to 7 months, despite a terminal diagnosis of anancephaly. Pearce was born when she went into labor a couple months early. Jon and Charmian had 11 precious minutes with him.

Take a minute to go over to Charmian's blog and read some of the emails she and I exchanged during the time Pearce's twin miscarried. Then come back.

Stone of Joy - Two Years 

There are times when I pray the Holy Spirit speaks through me. And then there are other times when I speak and I know that it is only God talking because there is no way I could have come up with something so good! Those emails represent a whole string of those moments. In fact, if asked, I don't think I could have counseled someone that well now. It is amazing to me how God works through our pain and how there is nothing - NOTHING He cannot redeem for His purpose.

There have been some major bumps on this rocky road of transitioning to a household dependent on self-employment since Alejandro lost his job a year ago on Thursday. It is GOOD to be reminded that even the most impossible of circumstances can be turned into the greatest blessing we ever have experienced.

Charmian, I love you and am so honored to be a part of your story. Thank you for reminding me how He works through impossibility on our behalf.

Love,

I Want To Open My Mouth. But How?

Since I posted about Beth the other night, I've been asked several times how I manage to get into such great conversations and get to the heart of an issue.  I think this is worth writing about, because I wondered the same thing not long ago.  Well, here's the answer, but be warned, it takes commitment and investment of yourself.

First, I read scripture daily.  Okay, I try to read scripture daily.  I mean, let's be honest.  I am so very human.  But the point is that I yearn to know Him deeper daily and getting in His Word is important to me.

Second, I surround myself with people who encourage me to share Christ with others and who praise me when I stretch toward my goals and dreams.  My friends, colleagues and family are all very much behind me in what I do.  This builds my confidence, which is a huge factor when the enemy would throw my fear in my face to keep me paralyzed.

Third, I started saying to the women who come into my life:  "I am committed to praying for my team members regularly, so I want you to know I am praying for you.  But I'd like to know if there is anything specific or hidden in your heart that you'd like me to pray about."  Then I just listen.  When someone shares a bit of something with me, I often ask more, or I simply say, "Tell me more about that."  Those five words will take a conversation a long way and women yearn to open their hearts and have someone truly listen.

Another thing:  I have started to pray regularly that God would help me to see my people and know their needs.  I am amazed at how my eyes have been opened when I pray this.

Lastly, in the midst of the conversation, I keep praying that the Holy Spirit guides my words.  There are times when God puts a thought in my head that I feel compelled to share and other times when He says, "Be quiet."  That happened a few times with Beth, when she just needed to process and hear Him.

Learning to hear the Lord's voice and follow His guiding is a spiritual discipline, and like other disciplines, it can (and must) be learned.  If you don't know how to hear His voice, think back to a time when you know God was speaking to you.  Think about what He was saying.  Sometimes He speaks through events, other peoples' words, or thoughts He places in your mind.  If you can think back to that time and remember what it felt like to hear His words, then you can keep looking and listening for more experiences like that.  Pray and ask the Lord to help you hear Him and clearly know when He is speaking to you.  Then when you think you hear Him, search the scriptures and make sure that what He is saying doesn't contradict his written Word.  If it does, it was not His voice you heard.

To many of you, this is basic stuff.  To others, it's new.  You (like me 3 or 4 years ago) have never been taught these basic disciplines.  The great news is that it's never to late to learn and an old dog can learn new tricks.

And now...  I'm off to count to eleven with my son.

A Little Note About Today

I am just full to the brim today. I know days like these don't happen every day, but when they do, I just want to bask in them.

Beth was just as open-mouth stunned today as I was. Her life has completely turned upside down (for the good) in the past 24 hours. This afternoon before handing her an envelope with $416 in it, I told her with a gleam in my eye that she had to tell me she wasn't going to work tonight. She asked me with a smile if it was a trick.

"Nope, not a trick," I said.

"Ok," she quietly murmurred, "I won't."

"Good, because this is to cover your bills for the rest of the month while we find new income for you," and I handed her an envelope.

"What?! How did you?! Renee!!"

"It wasn't me," I said and I explained.

She just couldn't say anything.

Aside from the fact that she's at home with her kids tonight, there were many other steps of progress we talked through, and she shared more of her story with me. She's still new in my life and even though you all don't know her real name, I don't want her to feel like her story is all over the Internet so I'm going to keep the rest private for now. I will just say that God orchestrated multiple people to make various things come together in different areas of her life, meeting multiple needs of hers.

She is BEYOND WORDS GRATEFUL. So on her behalf, THANK YOU!!!!

As for Danny and I, we hung out at home the rest of today. I'm dealing with a massive sinus headache and hoping it's not an infection, but that's hardly affecting my mood on a day like this.

Oh and guess what else?! (I know! There's MORE!) Friday night, my husband will be pulling into our driveway with the dog and the Jeep for GOOD! We are both SO excited that after 2 1/2 months away, he's headed home. No wild plans for the weekend, but that is of course, exactly what we're both looking forward to.

I miss this goofy guy like crazy.

So, would you all please continue to pray for us? Pray for Beth and courage. For Alejandro and a safe drive home. For me and this sinus headache and for God's leading as I mentor Beth. For Danny's continued health and growth in knowledge of Jesus.  Thank you friends, for walking through this with me.

Love,

Beth

Updated:  

I wish I could somehow convey the open-mouth feeling I have right now.  Apparently God had this one covered before I even asked, because 20 minutes after I posted this, all $416 came in from one person.  God is out-of-control amazing.  That's all I can say right now.  :-O


Original Post:  

I want to tell you about a new friend of mine.  We'll call her Beth.  Beth came to me by way of my Mary Kay business, but God has been working to guide her my direction for a long time.  Beth is a single mom of three.  She has a 9, 11 and 13 year old.  Two girls and a boy in the middle.  Beth dances for a living.  Yes, that kind of dancing.  For a living.  Because it's all she has.  Attempted suicide, drugs, alcohol, abuse, hurt, shame and God-knows-what-else are a part of her past -- her recent past.

Tonight, Beth drew a line in the sand.  Tonight she broke down and surrendered.  Two hours ago, she shed tears along with the shedding of her guilt, her past, her sin, and her stain.  Two hours ago, Beth gave her life to the Lord and received the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

After she hugged me tightly, dried her eyes and we made a plan for tomorrow, including lunch with me so we can talk about what's next, she walked out the door with a new glow.  I've only ever seen that new shining glow on one other person's face in my life, and that was my husband's after he gave his life to the Lord.  The visible difference seen in someone who has just received Salvation is a sight to be seen!

Here's the thing.  Beth needs a small miracle.  She needs $416 to cover her bills for the rest of this month, while we figure out another source of income for her.  She has already received a notice of shut-off from the electric company and her cell phone (her only phone) is days from being shut off as well.  She is scheduled to work tomorrow night.  This precious new daughter of Christ is so new in her faith.  She fiercely desperately longs to quit dancing for a living.  She MUST quit dancing for a living.

Can we step in and support a single mom and sweet gentle-hearted new sister in Christ who has radical life transformational work ahead of her?

I am going to see her tomorrow for lunch at 1p.m.  I pray it will be the first of many many lunches as she turns her life around.  I want to be able to give her what she needs so that she can quit her job and show her children a new way.  Will you prayerfully consider helping me hand her $416 tomorrow at 1 p.m.?  Will you email, text, tweet and message everyone you know and spread the word?

Would you also please commit her to prayer?  Pray that she learns to hear God's voice and to follow His leading.  Pray for COURAGE (her personal request) to make the hard decisions ahead of her.  Pray that Jesus continually reminds her how much he loves and adores her and that her shame has been washed away.

This is important.  This is REALLY important.  Thanks you guys!

Love,

We're Joining an African Village

Ever since my friend Morgan started spending her summers in Uganda, I started falling in love with the babies of Africa.  Soon after, I discovered Katie's blog.  Then Jennifer went to Kenya last March.

It seems that for the past several years, God has been slowly etching out a special place in my heart for precious little ones (and not so little ones) of Africa.

Last year sometime we got a letter in the mail from Compassion.  In it there were pictures of six children that needed sponsoring.

At the time, we weren't in a place where we could sponsor them... and they've remained on my office wall as a reminder that the ability to give is one of the reasons why we work so hard.

Well, Jennifer (a.k.a. Mckmama) is back in Africa.  This time in Ethiopia.  She's working with an organization called GHNI (Global Hope Network International) and for the first time, an online community is "adopting" an African village to sponsor GHNI's work in this village.  What is unique about this organization is that they don't just go into the village, build something and then leave.  In fact, they don't even go in and build and stay.  They don't even go in and build.  They go in and teach the people of the village how to build.  And then they build together.

This week, Mckmama and a team from GHNI is in Garmaam, Ethiopia.  Here are a few photos I hijacked from her blog.

Today (or rather last night) because the current time in Ethiopia...

Anyhow, today they dug a latrine pit and tomorrow they'll build the "loo".  They didn't have one of those before today.  

So Alejandro and I decided to join the Garmaam village.  We're not moving...  We joined their extended village.  And you can too!  As of 3:30 p.m. MST, there are 44 spots left before this village is fully supported.  At $12 per month, you can join us on a 2-3 year journey to get this little village self-sufficient, healthy and out of the throes of poverty.  And if things go as I suspect, your heart and the hearts of the Garmaam village will be knit together.  Read all the details here.  

Oh, and if you live in Colorado Springs, make sure you clear your calendar for Friday night.  You're going to want to come over to my house.  I promise.  

You need to know...

I should not be reading my favorite blogs right now... But I'm really glad I was.  Because you need to know about

these three babies.  

stream of consciousness

To all the single moms out there... I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU DO IT.  That's all I have to say about that.  

We've been keeping pretty busy around here.  Between work, Danny, meals and laundry, I have hardly had time to think.  Rest assured, we're keeping it pretty fun around here, though.  

I am, however, completely exhausted, so this post is gonna be pretty short and nowhere near as thought provoking or well-written as the last one.  It's day 3 of Alejandro being gone (but who's counting, right?).  I figure that right around the time he gets back I'll have figured out how to do this thing without running myself ragged.  I was optimistic about church tomorrow, but I decided to just get up in time for Danny's breakfast and see how I feel.  I need some down-time bad.  And Danny has had lotsa' lovin' from friends, but could seriously use some one-on-one time with Mama.  We also plan on visiting via Skype with Alejandro tomorrow.  That will be nice.  

Speaking of Alejandro, he sent me this picture from his phone yesterday of the sunset as he was coming over the hills into East County of San Diego.  

Stunning.  It almost made me wish I was with him.  Then I re-contemplated a 20 hour drive with an 18-month-old and 3 weeks of living from suitcases with an 18-month-old for the second time in six months and decided against it quickly.  For the 14 billionth time.  

If things continue as they are, though, there's no possible way I'm gonna cook through all of my planned meals and the time will go quickly.  

By the way, if you sent me a comment on my last post, I have read it and am just really slow to get back to you.  I'm sorry!  I'm also without my laptop for these few weeks so I can't catch up on stuff from the floor while Danny plays.

One other tid-bit of news from Costa Rica.  My Father-in-Law, Freddy is back in the hospital, but this time with GREAT news.  If you are new to this blog or just don't remember (because it's been months since I've written an update) he was battling colon cancer.  Yes, I said was.  :-)  The treatment he was on was successful and he has been cancer-free for months now.  I was hesitant to say anything because we wanted to be sure, but the doctors are confident enough now, that they are doing surgery (the reason he's back in the hospital) to remove the bag that substituted for his intestines.  Hooraaaaaaay!

And that, I think, is a perfect way to end this post.

Goodnight friends,

Sunday

I really haven't been super busy the last several days...  Actually, I think I just have so many things to blog about that I'm sort of overwhelmed with it all...  so when that happens, I just usually throw it all into one random post and call it something completely nonsensical like "Sunday." 

How's that for a classy introduction?

Actually, although I haven't been very busy these past couple of days, I am preparing to be very busy for the entirety of January - starting Thursday, that is.  Alejandro is headed to California for three weeks to do a huge job out there.  So I get to do the single-mom thing here for the duration.  I'm a big fat wimp about it.  I'm not even gonna lie.  I mean holy hostess cakes, I have one child.  So, I know I'll survive.  But I've been doing all kinds of lining up babysitters and planning each day in half hour increments - yeah, like that's gonna go as planned - and jotting down all the crock-pot meals I can think of so that I can keep cook time to a minimum.  Yeah, like I said... I'm a wimp about it. 

I do have high hopes to get the house clean.  ...uh, right... 

But none of this was what I actually sat down to tell you.  

Aren't they just adorable?  That was at 11:45 this morning right after church - which was really good.  Danny plays hard in Sunday School, while we worship hard, so we come home pretty hungry and sleepy.  Our pastor has had me thinking all day over this question - Am I a person who welcomes the fullness of God into my life?  Hmmmmm....  It's got me thinking.

But that's not what I sat down to tell you either. 

My mom sent me these pictures of the family at Christmas this year. 

Isn't Danny's cousin Kaila just the cutest thing EVER?

Yup.

Coming soon to a blog near you (ahem, this one) is a new look, a new header and an 18-month Danilo post.  I'm excited.  Oh and I've got all kinds of recipes to post on Mi Cocina.  

Oops!  I just realized that the Mi Cocina buttons on my blog weren't  actually taking you over there, so I just fixed them.  So sorry!! 

Alright, that's enough horsin' around.  The real reason I wanted to write tonight was just to celebrate the completion of our

When I got this email in the mail...

I totally squealed like a little girl!

Congratulations everybody! You really made this happen!  Thank you from the botton of my heart for stepping in and lifting Sarah in prayer, in support on her blog and financially.  I know it makes a difference to her.  A big one! 

This and That

Let's see...  what's buzzin' around in my brain tonight?

Well, the Love-A-Thon for Kingdom Twindom is almost coming to a close.  We are at 96% with only $37 to go.  I just can't even believe it!  I am so honored that you all would step up and bless Sarah so much.  The Bible speaks over and over about how we as a church are to take care of widows and orphans.  I believe single moms and their families fall into that category, and I am so amazed at how this little blog community has become the living, breathing, blessing, praying and supporting Church.  Ya'll are just awesome. 

(There's that ya'll word comin' out of my Southern California mouth of mine...  sigh. I just can't help it.)

As promised, I have posted the recipes for our Christmas Eve dinner over at

There, you will find Costa Rican style pork shoulder, a link to Pioneer Woman's creamy mashed potatoes, and the breakfast strata we enjoyed Christmas morning.  I haven't managed to extract the recipe for the rice from my husband's brain yet, but when I do, I'll be sure to share.  :) 

Tomorrow one of my closest friends - she became really close rather quickly in the last several months - is undergoing major surgery.  Would ya'll pray for her please?  I've really got my undies in a bunch over it tonight.  I know.  I know.  I just posted about Freedom the other day.  I'm a work in progress, people.  I certainly don't have it all together.  Anyway, your fervent prayers would be greatly appreciated by her, me and her family. 

And that, I think, is it for tonight.  I'm going to rest this little head of mine. 

Love,

 

P.S.  Oh! I almost forgot.  This blog is gonna get a minor makeover in the next couple of days I think.  Any suggestions, requests or (dare I say) complaints? 

On My Mind

I'm thinking about the

Did ya'll know that we are only $322 away from our goal of sending $1,000 to KingdomTwindom?  That's SO close!  That's only 11 donations of $30!  You guys just rock my socks off.  That's all I have to say about that. 

If you're just now catching up with us, I'll try to sum it up, but you should read her story here.  Sarah, aka Kingdom Mama, is the mom of 5 kiddos, 5 years old and under. Four of them make up two sets of twins. Now pick your jaw up off the floor. Sarah and her husband, Brian (aka Papa Bear) have fought against all odds to allow Jesus to redeem their marriage. For several years it seemed that God had accomplished the miracle He promised. However, in the midst of great expansion of their ministry to other couples also struggling in their marriages, they came under attack of the Enemy and Papa Bear decided to leave. Now, Sarah and her close friends stand in faith and belief that God is doing an incredible work and that the miraculous redemption of their marriage is still to come. That's why I launched a Love-A-Thon, which is fitting because it was actually was Sarah's idea first, when she and Mandy launched one.

At the risk of being repetitive, can I just remind you of the three goals of this Love-A-Thon? 

First, to INUNDATE  her household with prayer.  Pray pray pray pray pray for what she wants and desires so much - which is to see Papa Bear reconciled and completely in love with Christ, hearing the TRUTH of the Holy Spirit and living in Joy.  Can we pray for that?  Can we also pray for Sarah's heart to be encouraged?  This is SO important and it's an on-going battle.  Until the day Papa Bear returns home, these prayers are needed.

Second, to tell her so by clicking over to her blog and leaving a comment on any ol' post and just letting her know you are lifting her in prayer.  This will accomplish two things at once.  First, it will encourage her and second, it will send income her way.  You see, the income from her blog is based on clicks to her website, so the more you click, the more it helps!

Third, let's raise the last $322 to send to the Kingdom Twindom household!  While money doesn't help reconcile their marriage, it does help to alleviate stress that compounds and complicates all other issues.  The Love-A-Thon will last through Christmas, but please don't wait if you don't have to. 

Lastly, can I just take a moment to thank you all for the encouragement you've been to me?  So many of you have stopped by and come back again and again and I can't tell you how much that means to me.  It's kind of scary to step out and ask for money, no matter how noble a cause.  So thanks for bolstering my courage. 

With that, I'd better get to sleep... 


G'night ya'll,

An update on our

I'm cookin' writin' up a blog about cloth diapers - finally.  But right now, I'm just stopping by to remind you all not to forget about the Love-A-Thon for Sarah.  We're almost half-way there... actually, there is a donation or two that I know of that are not showing up correctly in the "chip-in" widget, so we are closer than ever to the half-way mark!

I really don't want this to fizzle so would you all please repost*, tweet and post on Facebook about it?  I am so excited about us meeting our goal.  Speaking of meeting the goal... I have a thought or two about it.  I know.  Surprise. Surprise.  Me with a thought.  That I would want to share.  Ahem.

Anyway, here's my thought about us meeting our goal:  Right now we're sitting somewhere just under $500.  Which is REALLY good!  Raising $500 among all of us in less than a week is something to speak of and says volumes about how the Lord works through His church.  Especially because that came from a couple dozen of you all working together. 

I'm just shootin' in the dark here, but I'm guessing that none of you are really rich out there and giving from a great abundance of your pocketbook.  It's tough times right now and none of us are giving without feelin' it.  ...without having to think about what will have to go in the budget in order to make room for what else needs to fit in.  Every single gift given, with the exception of one, was under $30.00. 

I think that is phenomenal. 

It means that if all of the ordinary people pitch in, we can all reach out and cover those in need.  We don't need some uber-rich philantropist to step in in order to give extravagantly and bless beyond all of our expectations. 

So even what we have accomplished so far is plenty to be proud to be a part of. 

But I really think we can make it all the way.  I'm not asking any of you to give again.  I'm asking for your help in spreading the word.  Click on Sarah's blog and continue to support her in prayer and with encouragement.  (I am asking you to do that again.)  Then share her story today.  Share it with three people in conversation.  Share it on Facebook. 

What many of you don't know about Sarah is that her story is extraordinary because she has fought so hard for marriage - both for HER marriage and for ALL marriages.  It has been her calling, her passion, and her ministry for years.  And now, against all odds against the Enemy's waged war, she has not left that calling.  If Jesus returned today and if the story of Papa Bear and Kingdom Mama ended today, I believe it would still be a happy ending because she has perservered. 

Someone encouraged me today and said: 

Never tire of doing what is right. 

Never tire of doing what is right.

Never tire of doing what is right.

Never tire of doing what is right.

Never tire of doing what is right.

Never tire of doing what is right.

Never tire of doing what is right.

Never tire of doing what is right.

Never tire of doing what is right.

That's a whole lot easier said than done when you get to the end of your good mood, the end of a good pep-talk, the end of a long tired day, the end of your wits, the end of yourself, the end of everything you've ever known and you step out into what seems to go past the end of even the unknown into the territory of

total and comlete blind faith

in the only One who sees the future. 

Sarah has not tired in doing what is right.  So I want us to see this Love-A-Thon through to its finish and not tire of doing what we know is right, but to see it through to completion.  Let this be the way we show her that we are by her side in this marathon and we're in it for the long haul with her. 

I love you all more than you can know.  Thank you for being here and for reading.  Thank you for the way you allow God to work through you. 

In Him,

*You have my permission to copy and repost any of my own words with regards to this Love-A-Thon for Sarah at Kingdom Twindom.

Oh Look...

...My office moved itself to the changing table. Oh, the things we do as moms. You gotta do what you gotta do, right?

Well, I have to just say, YOU guys are AMAZING!!! And by "you guys" I mean my readers, Sarah and her readers, Ellyn and her readers, and Mandy and her readers. I am just blown away! It's been only about 36 hours since we launched the Love-A-Thon and we're already almost a quarter of the way to the goal of $1,000 for Kingdom Twindom! Paypal was down last night (horrible timing!) and I imagine some of you were wanting to give and couldn't, so I'm sorry (not that I had any control over it) and thank you for your patience!!

PLUS, Sarah had over 20,000 clicks to her site yesterday alone! Wow! (I don't think she'd mind me telling you that. After all, part of my goal was for her to have lots and lots of clicks, as that helps to support her financially too.)

More than anything, I am so grateful to you for the encouragement you've been to her and I truly hope that YOU are blessed by watching reading her story unfold.

In these last 48 hours, God has pressed on my heart the urgency with which we need to fight for our marriages - not just our individual marriages, but for marriages in general today. That's why last night after one of our epic grocery-shopping trips (we grocery shop for two weeks at a time and don't shop or eat out in between), I hung out with my husband before he fell into bed (long day of hard work) rather than getting online to update you all here. That may seem minor to some, but it's a choice I don't make often enough - putting him before stuff in my life.

I am SO very grateful for people like my friend, Michelle, who serve at FamilyLife and for how she and her team pour into marriages in the U.S. and around the world. (Sorry, that was really a random thought, but this is kind of a random post anyway, and I've been wanting to share about FamilyLife.)

I've also been thinking about what I write here. I have wished many many many times that I could share with you all the journeys God has taken my husband and I through in our marriage. He and I both come from families where brokenness and divorce go back several generations and we have become passionate in our fight to stop that generational pattern of divorce in our family. We've drawn a line in the sand. With us, there is a new heritage to pass on.

I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. (Exodus 20:5-6)

A wise man leaves an inheritance for his children's children's children. (My paraphrase of Proverbs 13:22)

It's not easy when we've each learned lots of wrong habits. While it is not my calling (at least not now) to share very openly about God's work in our marriage on this blog, I want you all to know that WE ALL struggle in our marriages. If you are there, you are NOT ALONE. There is hope. With Christ in your life, your marriage CAN survive and be strong and there are others who have walked that path before you. Reach out. Find help and accountability and trust your future to Jesus.

Thank you, again, for stepping out in prayer and warring for Sarah's marriage.

I'll be back soon (I really will this time!) with the Christmas transformation that's been going on at our house!

Love,

It's time for a...

Today has been a heavy day in our little blogging community... to say the least.  If you haven't put it together yet, my post in which I cried out to God why was written right after I got off the phone with my friend Kingdom Mama, who has had her world seemingly fall to pieces around her.  Her husband - our good friend - has left her.  My heart has hurt deeply for her these past couple days and I have been praying for her without ceasing.

Then Mckmama poured out her heart and Ellyn took bold blogging to a new level and really got me thinking.  Finally at 6 p.m. I handed my son to my husband, thankful that I can do so, and went upstairs to weep in my sanctuary.  And to hand it all back to the King one more time.  The hardest thing about all this  for me is that I can't fix things.  As much as I wish I could.  I'm sure you all wish you could too.

I know we are all praying.  But I also know that we all want to reach out and help Sarah and her five little ones during a Christmas season that will be much different than she expected it to be.  One of you asked me today to set something up so that we can help her, and I thought a Love-A-Thon would be just perfect.

It's perfect because, well... it was Sarah's idea first! 

Here's the vision...  (there are three parts) 

First, to shower...   No, FLOOD...  Rather, INUNDATE  her household with prayer.  Pray pray pray pray pray for what she wants and desires so much - which is to see Papa Bear reconciled and completely in love with Christ, hearing the TRUTH of the Holy Spirit and living in Joy.  Can we pray for that? 

Second, to tell her so by clicking over to her blog and leaving a comment on any ol' post and just letting her know you are lifting her in prayer.  This will accomplish two things at once.  First, it will encourage her and second, it will send income her way.  You see, the income from her blog is based on clicks to her site, so the more you click, the more it helps!

Third, we are going to raise $1,000 to send to the Kingdom Twindom household!  This would help pay December's bills for their humble mountain-town cabin, as well as allow her to do some extra special things for her five under six for Christmas.  If fifty of us donated $20 each, the goal would be accomplished.  I'm keeping the Chip-in box open through the 25th, but if we can send her this Christmas blessing early, she'll get to use it before Christmas day. 

Won't you join me?  Please help me spread the word!  Be-friend me on Facebook.  Follow me on Twitter and tweet at me about the Love-A-Thon and I'll follow you back.  Blog about it... in fact, if you'd like to re-post this on your own blog, email me and I'll send you the html code for it.

Thank you thank you thank you in advance!  I have seen the Church, as it was originally intended, lived out in a more Christ-like fashion in this little bloggy community than anywhere else.  Thank you for letting me be a part of it. 

With Love,

**For some reason, the chip-in widget is delayed... as of 2:45 pm, we're at 14%.  Yahoo!!  Keep spreading the word!

Why

Today is a day I don't understand.  Father, when we wage war against the Enemy in prayer and we endeavor to fight against every fleshly temptation that we have, why, oh why does it sometimes turn out like this?

My heart is aching for a certain friend of mine.  She knows who she is.  Actually, it's aching for several certain friends of mine. 

If you know how to pray for a situation and a someone without knowing who or what it is, please do that. 

I don't understand why good people who work so hard to do the right thing are rewarded with more pain.  I don't understand why babies are lost.  Why marriages break apart.  Why the hard working man loses his job.  Why one who does the most good gets the most sick and is hindered by so many obstacles.  Lord, why why why? 

I know the answer, but my heart doesn't understand it.  It doesn't WANT to understand it. 

Why is it that sometimes when we fall on our faces and seek You with all we know how and everything we are, why are you still sometimes silent?  Why is your answer still sometimes "no"? 

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far away when I groan for help?
Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.
Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief.

Yet you are holy,
enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Our ancestors trusted in you,
and you rescued them.
They cried out to you and were saved.
They trusted in you and were never disgraced.
                                  Psalm 22:1-5

Barbie

There are lots of reasons why I absolutely adore my Mary Kay business. I realize some of you might be sick of hearing them.

Get over it.

Oh wait, did really I write that? Sorry.

Anyway, one of them is the "face time" (pun intended) that I get with women I never in a million years would get otherwise. Women who would never set foot in a church because they're too busy. Because they were mistreated. Because they don't think they need it. Because they just haven't. It's an opportunity to pour into women with the Love of Jesus for an hour or two as they play with makeup and sometimes pour their hearts out. And sometimes not. But no matter what, they sit at my table (or theirs) and get pampered and loved on. At least, that's the goal.

A second thing I love about this business is the women who I get to hang out with and who pour into ME with the Love of Jesus. Last night was our weekly training meeting and it was a little different than usual. The weather was cold and windy so fewer showed up. One consultant's mom was killed in a car accident on Friday, so the meeting practically started with tears and hugs and encouragement. After that, the meeting just got better. And by better, I mean closer, friendlier, more caring and more encouraging.

Kendahl (my good friend and business mentor) shared about someone SHE met by accidentally sending a text message to the wrong number. Here's how the text conversation went over the course of an hour (the summarized version).

"Hi Ashley, I'm Kendahl S. with Mary Kay. You and I have a mutual friend and she has given you with a gift certificate and facial. I look forward to pampering you and will call you tomorrow to set up a time."

"Actually, I'm in the hospital. I think you have the wrong number. I'm not Ashley."

"Oh cookies! Well would YOU like some pampering time? I'd love to extend the same gift to you as well. It takes an hour and I'd be honored to come bless you."

"Thank you so much, but actually, I was just in a car accident and so I'm not able to do that. Please pass it on to someone else."

"Wow! Well, it sounds like you REALLY need some pampering! I can come to you. No need to drive to me. I just want to shower you with love for an hour."

"Thank you, but I really can't, although I would love to. I was crushed in the accident from shoulder to pelvis and have many lacerations and stitches. I'm on complete bed rest and will be here for months. Please just pass it on and PLEASE, tell the ones you love how much they mean to you. You never know what life brings."

"Oh my goodness, well I don't even know your name but I would love to just bless you in this time of challenge. May I bring you some banana bread?"

"It's really ok. You don't have to do that."

"Too late. The Mary Kay way is already in effect. How about just a visit and some real food? Where are you located? What are you family's needs right now?"

"Actually I'm in Ohio. I'm 33 and I have two boys who were with me in the crash. My 8 year old was bruised but walked away. My 10 year old has stitches but aside from that is fine."

"Oh cookies again! Ohio is a long way for banana bread. ...I don't even know your name, but I'd like to send you a care package. Would you mind sharing your address with me? My mind is already swimming with what to send your way."

"My name is Barbie. My address is... But what I'd love most is for you to tell your family how much you love them. Tell them now. Don't delay. They are so important."

"I will do that. I'm 33 also and I have 3 kids - 3, 5 and 7. You are right. I do know that. Alright my friend, a package is coming your way. I'm so happy to know you!"

(Hours later.)

"Good night my new friend. Many Blessings from Ohio."

So our little group of Mary Kay consultants are going to put together the whopping-est package you've ever seen! Kendahl (a Cadillac director) will be mailing it, regardless of size or weight. We're collecting all sorts of things to bless Barbie and her two boys. It's going in the mail Friday morning so I have until Thursday night to get everything to her. Fresh banana bread, Mary Kay product to boost her self confidence, and all sorts of goodies will be on their way to Ohio very soon. If you would like to contribute, please let me know.

Some ideas :

• toys for two boys, ages 8 and 10
• gift certificates for take-out food from restaurants in Edison, Ohio 43320
• a hand-written note of encouragement and prayer
• gift certificate for a grocery store
• anything you can think of!

Tonight I am home with MY two boys (ages 1 1/2 and 29). I'm safe and warm and all of us are healthy. I am privileged to bless others and be blessed daily. And I'm praying for a woman across the country who I've never met but who has stolen my heart... named Barbie.