Little Miracles

When I gave birth to my first child, Ashley, twenty-two years ago, I didn't think there could be anything sweeter. I then gave birth to my second daughter, Whitney, now twenty years ago. Last but not least eighteen years ago, I gave birth to my son Jacob. Three children, all totally unique. All beautiful and all stole their mother's heart.

To carry a child within you is a gift that God gave to women only. Sure, our husbands get to join in in the excitement and wonder, but lets be honest. They in no way can experience life as we can. Giving birth is one of those lifetime wonders that captures your heart and changes your life forever.

Today I was blessed to go to the doctor with my daughter, Ashley, who is carrying her first child, my first grandchild. As I thought nothing could be sweeter than having my own, I watched in wonder at my daughter today as she was having an ultrasound and saw sheer beauty before me. I saw the face of my grandchild. She has the lips of her mother. She twisted and turned as I felt her kick today. I sat in wonder, with tears in my eyes as my daughter is now experiencing the sweetest gift on earth. She will give birth to little Peyton in just over a month now. The joys she will find. The love that will grab her heart and never let go. The beauty in holding her baby for the very first time will steal her heart away. Today, she and her baby have this special connection. One that is life giving. She will always have this special connection as her little girl will add to her life.

There is something so pure in watching my daughter. She glows with her smile. She places her hand on her baby with protection and awe. She looks down upon her swollen belly with pride and love. There is nothing like it.

Indeed I thought having my own children was a gift, and it is. But watching my child bring another child into this world is something I stand in awe over. How can you not see a God of creation? How can we not look to One who knows us before we are named? Before little Peyton was thought of by her mother and father, God knew her. He created her in love and beauty. He has big plans for Peyton. He knew just who her mother was to be. He knows just when she should enter this world and as she does He will have His hand upon her.

Babies are little miracles. They come into our lives and change us. They bring life, laughter and love. Little Peyton will have grandmas and grandpas, aunts, uncles, and cousins to love her and to cherish her. She already has her little room outside of her womb. It is being decorated to just fit her perfect. Can you tell I am proud of this little baby? Right now, I am more proud of my daughter who is carrying her. As she lit up my life one June day, little Peyton will soon light up her life like never before. Ashley will be a wonderful mother. She will be just perfect in her love. She will make mistakes, but she will learn each day. Peyton will teach her things about herself she never knew. They will grow together. A bond has been formed that will never break. They might have those days to come where mother and daughter do not see eye to eye, but even in those days, nothing, nothing at all will tear that special love apart. For they will always remember this special day in October when they were made mother and daughter. Only God could create something so beautiful.

Psalm 139:14 "I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT by Andy Andrews

Everything matters! Every moment in our lives has meaning. Each moment, no matter if we are talking to a friend or stranger, has an impact on life. Every attitude we have and every choice we make marks our future.

My husband read this book before I did. My son also read this book. They both loved it and found great wisdom here. As I picked this book up I knew it held special value. Andy Andrews reaches in and touches our soul in this book. Inspiring and enlightening for our personal growth.

When we are faced with the decision of doing something or nothing, what will be your choice? We should always choose to act and act in faith. We learn of one thirty-four year old teacher, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, who made one move more than a century ago that changed the world as we know it. One man, who took one step, made a difference. The Butterfly Effect is real. Just with one move, no matter how great or small makes the difference in life not just in that one moment for all eternity. There is nothing we do that does not bring another choice, another decision that not only changes life for us, but those around us. Each choice effects what happens next.

We learn of many great people who made an impact on this world. Little did they know the importance of just one decision would have on a nation that would still be standing after their deaths. We leave behind a legacy! Everything matters! As those before have shifted and shaped our lives, we too will do the same for those coming behind us. What is it that we want to share with others? It could be the smallest thing ever, but that one small moment of action could change lives for centuries!

This would be a great gift book. This would be a great book to share with students. A great one to share with those you love. How about this? Share it with a stranger and make a whole new impact that will only blossom like a beautiful butterfly!

This book was a gift from Thomas Nelson for it's review.

Walking Through the Garden

If we turn to Genesis 3:1-13 we see the story of Eve and the Serpent having a conversation. Does this stir anyone else? Let's just put this picture together for a moment. We have this beautiful garden. We have Eve, the most beautiful woman ever created and we have a Serpent. Now, this Serpent isn't just any Serpent. Um, it is talking to Eve. Hello? A speaking Serpent? As we look at this story, Eve isn't running away. It doesn't say that Eve was fearful of this Serpent. She was simply having a conversation with this Serpent. So, did all the animals in the garden speak? Why was this instant not one that Eve would look at and think, "Okay, God, I know you created some amazing things, but what is going on here? This snake is talking to me." It is almost as though it is just natural. No big deal that she is talking to a snake. Even Adam comes along. He named all the animals. Wouldn't he be screaming at her to get away if it was dangerous?

It just makes me wonder if all the animals spoke. Were Adam and Eve surrounded by animals that could carry on a conversation or was this just one instance? Or could it be that when a deceiver is near us many times all seems right and perfect? Could it be that as Satan charmed his way into Eve's life he made it appear that all was normal? That is a scary thought, isn't it? But isn't that how Satan works? Isn't that how we are deceived in the first place? We are blinded by temptation and to us either all seems right and perfect or we just want it to be for our own fleshly needs.

I find it also interesting that the Serpent went to Eve first and not Adam. Was it easier to deceive Eve? Since Adam new all the animals by name, could he indeed have known this character was of a different skin?

Listen to this story in Genesis 3:1-7 "The Serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, 'Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?' 'Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,' the woman replied. 'It's only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, 'You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.' 'You won't die!' the Serpent replied to the woman. God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.' The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves."

Notice how the Serpent twisted words to make Eve wonder? Notice how he enticed her? She knew what God had said, but the Serpent made it sound as though she deserved more. Isn't that just like us? We know what God tells us. We understand His instruction, but some how we listen to the world tell us we deserve it. So, she takes the fruit and has a bite. I find it interesting the tree in is the middle of the garden. Isn't that usually where we find temptation? Right smack dab in the middle of our lives? Wherever we are there is temptation waiting, and here we find Eve giving up herself for one bite. We too give up ourselves for one night, one moment. And in that moment we lose all sense of right and wrong our lives are changed forever. Just as Adam and Eve.

My husband has this keen ability to tell if something just isn't right. In our marriage he has never been wrong about his instinct. I believe that is a God given gift to us for our protection. Where was Adam? He was not there while Eve was being tempted. If so, maybe things would have been different.

I am one to trust everyone and give everyone a chance. Maybe that was Eve. Maybe in her heart she wondered, but she also wanted to see what would happen. I too am like Eve in that way. Too many times I know what is right, but in the midst of my flesh I go about what I think I want instead of what God says I need.

We too love to blame others. Adam is blaming Eve and Eve is blaming the Serpent. Do we ever want to take the blame for our failures? Isn't it easier to blame another? We tend to not want to take responsibility for our actions.

There are times I just need to listen to the wisdom of my husband. There are times I ignore his wisdom and go out on my own. It takes me a few times around the wrong road before I learn I need to make a u-turn. Isn't that what Eve needed to do? She needed to back away and remember what her God said. She needed to seek out the wisdom of her husband. Instead she reached out for that temptation and grabbed it with both hands, not thinking of the consequences for her actions. She didn't even think about how it would affect Adam. What was she thinking? Isn't it easy for us to ask that question? I would have been right there standing next to that Serpent just as Eve. I can hope I would react different, but there is nothing saying I would. I cannot judge her. I too have fallen into temptation.

We can learn a great deal here. We can learn to think before we act. We can learn that our actions have consequences to follow. I can see that I should seek out my God and His ways, but also follow the guidance of my husband. Now, could Adam have made the same mistake? Sure he could have. He did make mistakes. He blamed Eve. Adam too had a choice and he didn't make a wise decision. We are to stand together in marriage. We are to lift one another up and help one another to walk in the right path, keeping each other from falling into temptation.

Evil can wrap itself up into a pretty package and make us think it is a wonderful gift to ourselves. Evil can trap us into thinking just one bite and all will be fine. Evil deceives us before we realize it is a snake wrapped in Satan's clothes.

James 1:12-17 "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, 'God is tempting me.' God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow."

James 1:22-25 "But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it."

What are you waiting for?

We wait to make plans. It seems our plans are always more important. We wait to apologize. Maybe in hopes we won't have to. We seem to wait forever to just simply say, "I am sorry." Maybe the other will say it first. We wait in saying, "Please forgive me." What are we hoping for in that situation? We are hoping the other, again will come to us? We just seem to wait on everything.

But when it comes to us waiting? Now, that is another story. We do no like to wait. We don't even like to wait in line, much less on another person. If we have to wait we become so irritated we could just burst. But for others? We really don't care how long another has to wait. In this selfish life we are living we are not just hurting ourselves, but those who seem to be waiting on us also. We tend not to look past ourselves, but shouldn't we be looking at others before ourselves?

Why is it so hard to make time for another? Why is it so easy to say,"No, sorry, I can't. I have too much to do"? We put others off when they want to spend time with us. We should be honored. We should think of that as a blessing, but instead, what do we think? Another burden on our "To do list".

Do we realize how much we hurt another by putting them off? Do we really care how much we hurt another? It just always seems to be about us, doesn't it? We put off another not because we are too busy, but because we are busy with what we want to be doing. It's easy to think I can do something with them next week, next summer, next year even. What if that friend who has been asking to spend time with you just one day isn't there any longer? There will be no more waiting, only thinking, "I wish I would have spent more time with them." How said is that? Pretty sad.

We speak about how much we need to reach out, but do we? We speak about friends we have, but do we really? I am just going to be open and honest here. During the preparation for my daughter's wedding, she asked me who I wanted to invite. I made out this huge list. Not one person on that list was able to attend. I must say that hurt me and my husband terribly, but more so, it hurt my daughter. What do I say when she asks, "Mom, why didn't they come?" I begin to give her their reasons, and she says, "Mom, do you know how many excuses I have heard? I don't want to hear any more." We don't take time to share love with others anymore. It seems to be just all about us. A celebration? A wedding? Once in a lifetime to spend a day with those you love. Just a day out with a friend? One day for you to share your hearts and bring you closer together.

There have been friends I have asked for an entire summer to get together. Has not happened. What has this taught me? My time is not my own. My time is to be spent loving those around me. Reaching out to others. Why would I think my time is more important than any other? We seem to waste so much time on things that do not even matter. But on those precious things that matter? We end up putting them off. Waiting for the perfect time. The perfect time will never come. We should be enjoying each moment for what it is. A moment in time that will pass onto another in the blink of an eye. There is no getting time back. There is no replacing time past. What can we do? We can look to today. We can live in this beautiful moment sharing it with those around us.

We go to church with people and we pass right by without saying anything. We leave opportunities to reach out to others open for someone else to do it. We let opportunities pass, when in that moment we could really make a difference not only in our life, but in another. If we continue to let time pass without taking a moment to get to know another we are literally letting time slip by. How much more sweet would our lives be if we just reached out. Accepted those days out with another? Accepted dinner or lunch? Accepted just time to share in a beautiful day? Just think if we stopped being too busy for others, maybe, just maybe others would stop being too busy for us.

1 John 3:16-20 "We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion-how can God's love be in that person? Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything."

Ephesians 5:1-2 "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God."

May we begin today, not tomorrow, to reach out to others. To accept their gift to want to spend time with you. May we not think our time is more valuable, but know that time passes all too quickly. Enjoy these moments for what they are. Precious time. Let us learn to give of ourselves. Let us learn to be available to others making our lives richer with each moment given.

What's your limit?

We always seem to set limits don't we? We set them for ourselves as to how much we can take and before we burst. We set them for others as to how far we will allow them to go. We have speed limits. Now, those are for our own good. They are for our safety. They prevent us from going to fast and crashing. But are the limits we set for ourselves good for us?

We limit God with our own limitations! We limit God with our own plans that we so like to control. We want to set the bar high enough that we know we can make it over, but not too high as to scare us into going over. We can set limits with our weekly income. We make a budget. We try not to go over, but there are those emergencies that bring us to the brink of cashing in what we had saving. Going over scares us. It's almost like we stand as close to the edge as we can. We want to see over. We want to see the beauty, but we are afraid of falling. Is that really a way for us to live?

For me, it isn't. I don't want fear to hold me back. I am learning the limitations I set for myself only keep God from doing His will and way in my life. If I set limits, than what more can He do in my life than what I am willing to allow? It is almost as though I tie His hands. When I do, all He has for me, stays waiting, or is lost. He wants to use me for His glory. He wants to bring honor to His Father through my life. But if He cannot, then He will use someone else. Someone who is a willing vessel. Someone willing not to set limits, but allow God to set the bar high. We know that we cannot reach those heights alone, but with Him? With Him we can reach heights we never even imagined.

So what happens really? When we set those limits. Those, "I will do this, but I won't do that", we not only hurt ourselves, but others who were going to reap from the blessings God was going to work through us. God wants to use ALL His children for His glory. He doesn't just have a few chosen for His work. He instilled in each of us gifts that no other has. He has placed others in our path that will benefit from those gifts. He sees beyond today. He sees beyond that bar that we think is impossible to jump. He sees beyond that mountain we are climbing. He sees past that valley we seem to get stuck in. He sees our past and uses those moments to create our future.

When we allow fear to control us, we lose out on much more than we ever expected possible. I don't want to get to heaven one day and see all those blessings God had for me, but I never got to receive or give to another because of my lack of willingness to follow. In order for me to follow Christ I must be willing to give up my control. Which do I really have control? No! My life. Each breath is in His hands. He holds the key to unlock my future. A future in heaven, but what about today? I set my eyes on heaven, but I must allow my heart to feel while here. I must allow my eyes to see the needs of others. I must allow my feet to move to His call. I must allow my ears to hear His words to fill my heart with passion to be a witness of God's grace and love.

We seem to have limits for everything, but with God we need to throw out that measuring stick, and just know without a doubt God has set before us a life that is filled with purpose and planning. Planning that He worked on before our birth. There is no one better to trust with our life than the God above who created us.

We set limits on how much we are willing to give. On how much time we are willing to invest. What if God did that for us? With a love like God's can there be any limits? He is willing to invest whatever time He has for me. He was willing to give all He had for me, His life. He was willing to give at whatever cost it took so that you and I could have life. There are no limits to His love or how far He is willing to go for you and I. So, we need to stop setting limits for ourselves and God. We just need to let go and watch all He can do with excitement and wonder. In praise and glory we can not only watch Him work, but take part in His ministry He has set before us.

Are you willing? There are days I am willing, and others I think my time is mine. But He continues to teach me that my life is not my own. I need to be willing. Not just on my time, but think of my time as His time. If I totally focus on Him and not myself. My flesh. I will do more for His kingdom than I ever knew possible. But with Him all is possible, right?

Get ready my friends. Stop measuring God by what we are willing to give, and may we begin to give according to God's measure!

Philippians 3:12-14 "I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers ans sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

Philippians 4:13 "For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength."

Dancing for joy!

Recently at my daughter and son in law's wedding reception the dance floor was packed. By whom? Those who are young and can still move, that's who! No, there were elderly folks out there who had been married for sixty years celebrating in joy! Now, I must say, this girl can dance. But I dance in the comfort of my own living room. No one sees me. That might just be best. Lol There were little children out there dancing and just enjoying moving to the music. Now, there were two very sweet ladies in my life out there also. They are much older than I, but as the music began they left their seats to head out to the dance floor. To some, well, they might have thought, "What in the world are they doing?" To me, I saw two beautiful ladies that did not care if they could dance or not, but what they cared about was celebrating. They cared not what others thought, but let their hearts lead them in joy. I must say they tore up that dance floor! Me? Well, I danced to a few songs, but for some reason this girl still gets hung up on what others think. I let others opinions of me keep me back from enjoying myself. The only person that hurt was myself. I just need to let go, and just be me.

I had a wonderful time that evening. It was a beautiful day to celebrate the new beginning of a family. My daughter, Whitney, and her husband, Nick, will share a wonderful life together. Their dance is just beginning. They dance to their own tune. They dance whether others are dancing along or not. I think some where along the way I missed that. It was a blast! I laughed. I shared. I danced with my amazing husband and we stayed until the event was over.

But what gets me is this; I could have enjoyed myself much more if I could have just been me and not wondered what others thought. Yes, to a point we must contain our reputations. We must live according to the will of God, but He too wants us to enjoy ourselves. He wants us to get out there on that dance floor and live. Live each moment as it's the only dance.

These two ladies had smiles on their faces all night long. I imagine the next morning they felt all that movement and might have been a little stiff, but they celebrated life. They didn't sit the dance out. They didn't miss out on the joy in their heart. I want to live in such a way. I want to let my joy that I feel in my heart explode so others can feel my joy also.

So, what are you doing? Are you skipping the dance? Are you waiting for your dance card to be filled? It seems we wait and we wait, when all we must do is simply dance by ourselves. When we dance, others will dance too. When we light up, others will see that love in our hearts and want to join in.

Don't miss out on today worrying about what another will think of you. Feel that music in your heart and dance my friends!

Ephesians 5:18-20 "Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Colossians 3:16-17 "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

May we dance to the beat of our own unique drum. But within that uniqueness may we celebrate with Christ leading us. May we allow His Spirit to move us and guide us, enjoying each moment and not sitting the dance out. May we not miss out on joy and laughter out of fear of what others might think, but set an example for others to see. May we allow the joy of Christ to shout from our very being!

IT'S THE SUNSHINE AWARD!

I have been given the Sunshine Award by Leslie at http://www.girlysbeauty.blogspot.com/! Go on over and check out Leslie's blog. If you want to know anything about beauty, you will find it and much much more.

There are a few rules to accepting this award:

1. You must link my blog along with the rules to your blog when you accept.

2. You must nominate twelve blogs that you love.

3. You must contact them at their blog to let them know they too have won this awesome award.

Here are all of my nominees:

http://wondersbeyondwords.blogspot.com/

http://www.leslienease.blogspot.com/

http://arise2write.blogspot.com/

http://www.instillplaces.blogspot.com/

http://www.godsnotfinishedwithusyet.com/

http://tamimayberry.blogspot.com/

http://www.faithimagined.com/

http://www.chattingatthesky.com/

http://livingablessedlife.blogspot.com/

http://www.practicalpresence.com/

http://www.myfaithfulliving.com/

http://jenslatterysblog.wordpress.com/

All of these blogs touch my life in a special way. They are each unique and a gift to the reader. Take time and check each one out. I promise you will find blessings along the way. It is always an honor to have your blog recognized by another writer. It is a privilege to accept and all the glory goes to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the gifts He has bestowed upon me. This is my second Sunshine Award! I am blessed beyond words. Thank you again Leslie. You blessed me with a smile=)

LET'S CHAT FRIDAY with KRISTA KLASSEN

Krista is full of encouragment and joy! You see joy just through her writing an email, or sending just a little hello. She is one of those cheerleaders you want in your corner. I am blessed to have her in mine. As you will see she loves the Lord and wants to share His love with others. She is just a gem. One of those priceless girls to have by your side forever. I see the Lord doing great and mighty things in Krista's life. On those days in which I am having a hard time, I never fail to see one of her cheerful messages there to brighten my day. I know you will be blessed by her visit to the Nest just as I am.

(Robin) Hi Krista, can you tell us a little about yourself?

(Krista) Hi ... My name is Krista & I am soon-to-be 31-years of age. I was born & spent the first 16-years of life in the ever sooooo incredibly wonderful/awesome country of Indonesia. I am still single ... so have no children here yet of my own ... but have 5 absolutely wonderful nephews & nieces ... who are some of my greatest loves ... joys & blessings in life. Took my ECD (Early Childhood Development) Training (a 2-year program) immediately upon my completion of high-school. And ... since then ... have been working with children of a variety of different ages (mostly in day care ... but also with some special needs in the school system as well). I absolutely love & thoroughly enjoy music, as well as reading, & have been singing with my Church Choir here now for the past approx. 10-years ... prior to that I worked a couple of years in the Children's Ministry. I am a very social ... fun-loving individual ... who really treasures her family & friends & who absolutely loves & thoroughly enjoys life. And ... as of the past couple of years here ... have been struggling & dealing with some health concerns. Sooooo ... to wrap it up ... I am a girl who has an ever sooooo incredibly blessed life & God ... my family & my friends are my absolute everything. Well ... this kinda sums up who I am & my life in an ever sooooo incredibly brief "nutshell."

(Robin) Since you have walked with the Lord has there been a time you struggled in your faith? If so, would you please share?

(Krista) Yes ... many times ... due to many years of feeling an extreme sense of loneliness (when I was away from home/boarding school grades 6-9 & as I moved back & settled to life here in Canada) & I am sure that there were other times as well ... but my mind unfortunately is failing me here right now. HaHaHa ... LoL!! :D) But ... each & every time ... my faith & my relationship with the Lord has grown deeper & stronger & so I wouldn't trade any of these times (nooooo matter how tremendously difficult they were at the time) for anything.

(Robin) Has there been an "aha" moment in your life that has changed your perspective? (Krista) Wow ... just one?! Having been born & raised in the country of Indonesia ... there have been many "aha" moments that have drastically/totally & completely changed my perspective. Really & truly think that if I had been born & raised here ... that I would have a very different way of seeing things. One "aha" moment most definitely would have to be when I first returned back to this "side of the pond" & discovered that not everyone has all of the same privileges that are found here in North America. A story comes to mind of when I was a lil' girl ... about 5-years old ... having just returned back from Canada for the very first time. My mouth literally fell open when I saw the Indonesian children again. Before that I had never noticed any differences between them & myself ... color of skin ... clothing ... or any other differences. Up until then ... I saw them simply in the very same way that I saw myself.

(Robin) Do you have a favorite bible story, verse, song or hymn that gives encouragement when struggles come?

(Krista) Ohhh ... have ever sooooo many favorite stories in the Bible ... verses & hymns ... gonna be ever sooooo incredibly hard to pick & to share just one.
But I would have to say that 1 of my all-time favorite stories in the Bible ... is of David & Jonathan. A verse: "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength - Philippians 4:13" & a favorite hymn: "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."

(Robin) What is one thing you look for in a close friend and what is one quality you hope others see in you?

(Krista) I look for someone who is spiritually in tune with God & someone who loves & encourages & lifts up each & every heart & life that crosses their path. And ... this is exactly the type of person that I too desire & strive to be ... each & every moment ... of each & every day ... in all that I say ... do & everywhere that I go.

(Robin) What are a few of your favorite books you have in your collection you would share with a friend?

(Krista) Wow ... how I absolutely love & thoroughly enjoy books (I own & read as much as time allows) ... music & friends. These 3 are some of my "top favorites." Wasn't ever supposed to learn how to read according to a teacher in my younger/early years of schooling ... but that just shows that nothing is impossible with God ... what does man know?! Have an absolutely huge list of "favorite/to share with friends books" ... but here are just the requested three.Non-Fiction:1) "Choosing to See ... A Journey of Struggle and Hope" (By: Mary Beth Chapman & Ellen Vaughn)2) "The Power Of A Praying Life" (By: Stormie Omartian)
3) "If You Want To Walk On Water You Have Got To Get Out Of The Boat (By: John Ortberg) Fiction:1)"How Do I Love Thee" (By: Nancy Moser)2)"Her Mother's Hope" (By: Francine Rivers)3)"Somewhere To Belong" (By: Judith Miller)And ... the list could go on & on & on. Family & friends are always borrowing from the absolutely huge: "Krista Library."

(Robin) When life seems to go crazy, what is one thing you do to bring comfort and peace?

(Krista) Many & various different things ... just a couple being: singing songs of worship ... praying ... walking & talking with the Lord in His creation ... talking with friends ... etc.

(Robin) What is one thing about yourself you admire?

(Krista) Strongly admire how I really & truly love & care about each & every person that I meet. But ... unfortunately ... this also has a "down side." As ... I end up taking people's ... my friend's problems as my own. And ... in loving deeply ... I also end up hurting deeply.

(Robin) What are a few of the things you love surrounding you?

(Krista) Wow ... there are ever sooooo many ... where do I even start?! Family ... my absolutely huge network of friends ... my life in the tropics ... the sound of the ocean ... my life here now by the lake ... the whistling of the wind ... the sound of birds ... the sound of rain ... the list of things that I love that surround me is endless.

(Robin) What are your deepest passions?

(Krista) People ... but especially those who ever sooooo greatly struggle ... who are underprivileged ... who feel lonely ... etc.

(Robin) What is the best advice ever given to you?

(Krista) "Trust in the Lord with all of you heart ... lean not on your own understanding ... but in all your ways acknowledge Him & He shall direct your paths."

(Robin) In the legacy you leave, what is one thing you hope out shines before all others?

(Krista) My love for God & for each & every heart & life that He has brought & that He continues to bring along life's pathway.

(Robin) What are you currently working on?

(Krista) Hmmmmm ... the biggest thing that I am currently working on here these days is trying to get my health back on track & although I am still not totally & completely up to par ... I am starting to feel healthier & much better with each & every day.

(Robin) How do you define success?

(Krista) Success to me is ... not so much "human accomplishments" ... but rather the positive impact that you have on others & the life-changing legacy that you leave behind.

Thank you for stopping by the Nest Krista! You are just a treasure. I think you are leaving a legacy of beauty behind. A beauty only the Lord can place in another's heart. I think we can all learn how to be successful from you girl. I am just tickled you could be here today. Blessings to you sweet lady!!

LET'S CHAT FRIDAY with JENNIFER SLATTERY

I must tell you I am so excited to have Jen here. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite people! She is one of those girls you just love. She is who she is, honest and pure. What a blessing to have her friendship bless my life. I also fell in love with Jen's blog. She writes with such a passion. You can feel her heart in her writing. You can see her love for the Lord in it as well. When you find a girl who carries such truth, only beauty can come from that. I am excited to share our chat with you. I know you will be blessed.

(Robin) Jennifer, tell me a little about yourself

(Jennifer) I’m a writer, wife, and mother living in Kansas City, MO. I was saved at a neighborhood Bible club at a young age, went through a rebellious period in my teens, then returned with full force in my twenties. I guess that was when I first heard the “call”, although I must admit, I’m still awaiting full details. I have a weekly marriage column on the Reflections in Hindsight website and am about to launch, with five other author’s, a literary website called, Clash of the Titles. I also review for Novel Journey Reviews and do a little freelance writing on the side.

(Robin) Since you have walked with the Lord has there been a time you struggled in your faith? If so, would you please share?

(Jennifer) Oh, wow. I think the better question would be, have there been times when you haven’t struggled with your faith. I’ve got the indecision and insecurities of Moses, the impetuous nature of Peter, the inner demons of Paul, and the doubts of Thomas. My constant battle is with my mind. It’s quick to go on a rampage, focusing on the bumps in front of me, forgetting the power of the God standing beside me. But to answer your question, the greatest, yet most liberating, struggle I had was when we went through a period of unemployment. This was a very dark time for me and it took a while for God to break through the darkness in my heart. It started with a move from Southern California to Louisiana motivated by my husband’s job change. I didn’t want to move. I was happy where we were at. We were part of a close-knit church and were surrounded by wonderful Christians. And what made it worse was the fact that God wasn’t sharing His plans with me. Every time I’d turn to Him in prayer, all I heard was “submit.” No, “Everything’s going to be okay.” or “I’ll watch over you and keep you.” No words of encouragement to give me that nice, fuzzy feeling that makes obedience easy.But I submitted anyway then waited for my red carpet experience. You know, like God was going to reward me with a blessed life on a golden platter. So when things didn’t turn out as I had expected, my world was shattered. A year after our move, my husband quit his job. Quit. We’d weathered a lot of storms together, but this one hit really hard because it wasn’t one that “happened” to us, it was one he brought on. And it just wasn’t fair. I was consumed with bitterness for a while, fueled by all the “well-intentioned” advice my friends threw my way. My favorite? “You can’t win the lottery if you don’t buy a ticket.” Basically, my friends were calling my husband lazy, and that cut deep. It isolated me. I found myself guarding my words, afraid that people were going to judge my husband. I may not have been happy with his choice, but I still loved him. And by this point, God was starting to show me His plan, and my husband’s unemployment definitely was a part of His plan. Unfortunately, I don’t have the space to go into too many details except to say that the healing and growth that resulted in both of our hearts and in our marriage during this time was life-changing and well worth every tear.

(Robin) Has there been an "aha" moment in your life that has changed your perspective?

(Jennifer) That whole job-change, unemployment, shattered expectations changed how I see life and God. So much good, so much deep emotional healing, came from that very painful experience, I’ve learned to trust God even more. It’s easy to trust Him when everything’s rosy and He’s moving mountains and breaking down bars of iron. It’s much harder to trust Him when everything appears to be falling apart. But I’ve come to learn that He has a plan for everything. And He is still on the throne, whether we see His hand or not.

(Robin) Do you have a favorite bible story, verse, song or hymn that gives encouragement when struggles come?

(Jennifer) Wow, I have so many! Depending on what I’m going through. Right now I’m clinging to Acts 20:24: “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” I have a tendency to get so distracted by the things of this world—how many viewers I have on my blog or how many articles I have published, that it clouds my vision. And it’s hard to see the road ahead when my eyes are foggy. I don’t know the full road yet, but I know my guide. And that’s all I need to know right now.

(Robin) What is one thing you look for in a close friend and what is one quality you hope others see in you?

(Jennifer) Authenticity. My view of friendship has changed over the years. Previously, before seeing all the sin in my own life, I had this list of expectations. But no one’s going to ever meet our standards. And I’m never going to meet anyone else’s standard. We’re sinful people living in a fallen world and my friends—even my husband—is going to let me down. Guaranteed. The only true friend I can count on is Jesus Christ. Not that I don’t have close relationships because I do. My husband is the best friend I’ve ever had. But ultimately, my friendship and fulfillment is in God alone because He is the only one who can truly meet my needs.

(Robin) What are a few of your favorite books you have in your collection you would share with a friend?

(Jennifer) My all time favorite is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers because it is the gospel in a nutshell. We are unworthy of God’s love and turn our backs on Him again and again. And yet, He sees past our rebellion to the deep wounds within and supplies the only thing that will truly free us from those chains—His love. I also loved Francis Chan’s Crazy Love and Forgotten God. And there are about a zillion more, but those have been the most impactful.

(Robin) When life seems to go crazy, what is one thing you do to bring comfort and peace?

(Jennifer) I turn on some praise music, close my eyes, and let God hold me.

(Robin) What is one thing about yourself you admire?

(Jennifer) Oh, my. Not sure. There’s so much I don’t admire that God is working on. One thing I’m grateful for is my past. I’ve never been a spiritual powerhouse. I’m selfish, fearful, sinful, with enough emotional baggage to fill a dumpster. Which colors the way I see others. Having struggled with my faith during times of trial, I understand what it’s like to falter. I always cringe when I hear people pop off with a quick, “Trust God. He’ll take care of that,” to a hurting or fearful friend because it demonstrates a lack of understanding. They’re friend’s know God’s promises. They’ve probably even got them written on three-by-five cards tucked in their back pockets and taped to their bathroom mirror. They don’t need rehearsed words. They need a shoulder to cry on. And to know you’re praying for them.

(Robin) What are a few of the things you love surrounding you?

(Jennifer) My husband is top on my list. He has truly been a blessing and a gift from God. Give me God, my husband, our daughter, and a nice little cabin tucked into the woods and I’d be happy.

(Robin) What are your deepest passions?

(Jennifer) Seeing people experience the life-changing love of God.

(Robin) What is the best advice ever given to you?

(Jennifer) “Remain in me and I will remain in you,” given by my Savior. God has shown me again and again that my only job is to abide and obey. He’ll take care of the rest.

(Robin) In the legacy you leave, what is one thing you hope out shines before all others?

(Jennifer) I hope that people who read my work will experience the love of God. I’ve heard it said that we’re all walking wounded. Everyone’s hurting. Everyone’s got some kind of emotional baggage weighing them down. And yet, God’s love frees us from all that, bit by bit, as He pours His love into our lives.

(Robin) What are you currently working on?

(Jennifer) Right now I’m working on book two my Life Behind the White Picket Fence series. It’s about real characters living real lives dependant on grace. I’m also completing a biblical studies degree and keeping my eyes and ears open for the direction God wants to take me.

(Robin) How do you define success?

(Jennnifer) Unhindered obedience and total surrender.

Jen, thank you for taking time to share your personal stories with us. I love it when the Lord moves through one and touches another. I struggle so much in my faith. I struggle with my flesh and sometimes it wins out. But, the Lord is bigger than any weakness we carry. He is stronger than any Goliath we will ever face and He will bring us through! Your words bring tears to my eyes each time I read over them. When we share in honesty others know they are not alone. So many times we feel that way. I am blessed by your friendship and by your beautiful talent in writing.

Go check out Jen's blogs today.

http://jenslatterysblog.wordpress.com/

http://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpress.com/

PREDATOR by Terri Blackstock

There is a killer attacking young Christian girls on a web site designed to meet friends. How is this killer finding them? How does he know every move they make? He is a follower on a web site designed to make friends. But he is anything, but a friend. Krista Carmichael's sister was murdered and she is determined to find the killer. Krista is not giving up and is willing to go to any risk to find the killer so no other girls will be touched by this madman. She sets herself up an account to try to bring him to her page, but will he take the bait? Ryan Adkins is the young man who began this web site and Krista goes to him in frustration. She wants this web site taken down, but can it be as it is a billion dollar company? What is more important, life or money? Krista and Ryan begin working together. The killer knows their moves too and he is watching. This book is filled with suspense and is a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It also makes us think about the internet and how much we share. How safe are we, really? This is one you will love! Terri Blackstock is a favorite of mine and have now read every book! If you haven't read one of her books yet, you are missing out!

This book was a gift from Zondervan for it's review.

Terri Blackstock (www.terriblackstock.com) has sold six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestseller. She is the award-winning author of Intervention and Double Minds, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the Sun Coast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series. Author Website:http://www.terriblackstock.com/