ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by ANN VOSCAMP

There are those few books that you pick up and make an imprint on your life. Challenging you to be more. This is one of those books. One Thousand Gifts is a book to inspire us to be thankful. To give thanks. Ann writes with a poetic ability that just seems as though the words are like sweet honey upon your tongue. She shares stories from her life and those tragic days that seem to effect all families. But through these tragedies, Ann, shows God's grace, His goodness in all.

This book is a journey through giving thanks. The cover is what stole my heart, but it is the words that are long lasting. I am taking this challenge that Ann offers. I am now on my journey to write, to pen, one thousand things I am thankful for. Ann shares that in giving thanks we are worshiping God. We are praising Him in all His glory. In giving thanks we are growing and living as Christians. In giving thanks we find salvation, we find freedom from this world and all the evil that tries to attach itself to us.

On the cover it says, "Dare to live fully where you are." What a challenge. What a gift. This is a transforming read. Ann gives such insight to simple things we tend to take for granted and not see. Ann sees the gifts before her and is on a journey to live with purpose. This is a book that sets us on a course to finding God's manna through all circumstances that touch our lives.

I encourage you to grab this book up. It is one I am writing in and taking notes. It is one of those books that lifts us up out of the pit of pity and into the throne room where we find the presence of God in giving thanks for all.

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

Ann Voskamp is a writer with DaySpring (a division of Hallmark), a contributing editor to Laity Lodge’s The High Calling, and a global advocate for the poor traveling for Compassion International. With an educational background in psychology and education from York University and the University of Waterloo, Ann and her husband are farmers in the Mennonite countryside of southwestern Ontario, raising a half dozen kids, crops of corn, and the roof in praise. She writes every day about the everyday wonder every day at www.aholyexperience.com .

Author Website:

http://www.aholyexperience.com


http://www.annvoskamp.com

Making wise choices

I always tell my son, "Do not date anyone you wouldn't want to marry." Hmm. Kind of changes the picture around doesn't it? In teaching a youth class at our church on Wednesday nights you get a glimpse into the lives of young people. Most think there is something wrong with them if they do not have a girlfriend or boyfriend. In fact there are some who give my son so much trouble because he doesn't have a girlfriend. One has even asked him, "Are you gay? If you are it's okay if you tell me." Are you kidding me? Because at eighteen you are not out there with a new girl each month makes you gay? Laughable? I think it makes you take a higher road. My son knows not to settle. He knows to treat young women as though they are God's princess'. But he has been around so many young people who think they have to have a boyfriend or girlfriend to feel important. To feel completed. Friends, the only One who will ever complete you is Jesus Christ.  I love to share with young people, "Date Jesus." Why "Hook up", with another young person just to say you have a boyfriend? Where in the world did that phrase come from?

I don't think it does a young person good to date. Why? I don't think young people need a boy attached to their hip. This is a time where you are finding out just who you are. It is a time of growth and when you have another person so close to you at all times it takes away from who you are. You tend to try harder to make the other person happy. You tend to change yourself to fit their mold. In doing so you lose something precious about yourself. Something that God is wanting you to uncover by spending time with Him.

Young people turn on the radio, the television and go to the movies and what do they see? Sex. They see young people living in the moment and not thinking of the consequences. Many times with parents today there are no consequences to their actions. But that isn't going to always be so. Our actions do have consequences. We might not feel them after one night of pleasure out on the town, but down the road somewhere they will come.  Once choice changes your life forever. One choice leads to another. Satan tricks us into believing we are the exception to the rule. We are tricked into believing it won't happen to me. It's just one time. All it takes is one time to change not only your life forever, but those around you. Every choice we make effects another in some way whether good or bad.

One night of pleasure is not worth a lifetime of heartache. If only young people could understand this. But then again, I think adults have a hard time of grasping this truth. Where are the examples? We have parents going out on the weekends drinking as their children watch them walk through the door stumbling. We grab those lottery tickets in hopes of making it big. We work eighty hours a week away from home. I am sorry, but when parents are away from their children that long something has to give. I don't think there is a way to have it all. That is the world's idea. The more we have the better life is. That just isn't true.

Our teens are suffering such heartache. They are confused in every way. They need guidance and people who are willing to give their time and love to help them succeed in life. Before you can expect others to respect you you must respect yourself. No one will love you more than you love yourself.

We should be teaching our young people not to date someone who is not a Christian. Being unequally yoked is not what God is calling us to do. When one is a Christian and she is dating a boy who is not it is so easy for her to fall into the trap of being changed and moving away from her beliefs. We think we stand firm and nothing will change us, but let a boy come into your life that is not a Christian and the changes begin. Little by little you give up more of yourself. Soon, you are praying less, going to church less and you even stop seeking your dreams. Those very dreams God placed in your heart.

"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers." 2 Corinthians 6:14a

You must guard your heart. Be careful in all we do lest we fall. If we do not remain strong in our faith we will become a stumbling block for others. If we are not watching each step we take the company we choose can very well be our stumbling block as well.

"Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." Romans 13:13-14

I love the words from Proverbs 3. This chapter is filled with knowledge for young people and old alike. It is a chapter that guides to right living and seeking to find our purpose and to live with passion.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones." Proverbs 5-8

In seeking God first everything else has it's time and place. God's perfect timing. I teach my son to wait upon the Lord and in His perfect time that girl will come along and when she does he will know she is the one. Now, that doesn't mean he doesn't fall into temptation of listening to others tell him he needs a girlfriend. It is a battle to shut out the words of the world and focus on God's whisper of "Be still".

Now, the question is did I wait? That is usually what young people ask. They like to say, "Well, you did it, right? You turned out okay." Isn't that like a slap in the face? Ouch. I didn't wait. I was young and searching for something to fill the hollowness in my heart. I was only fifteen years old when I lost my virginity. Fifteen. To a boy who said, "I love you." Oh, if I knew then what I know now. That wasn't love. That was the lust of a fifteen year old boy and a girl who just wanted a boyfriend to hold her hand.

In my younger days I did a lot of things that left an impact on the rest of my life. Choices that at the time seemed right, but down the road turned out to be so wrong. Maybe that is why I understand young people so well. I remember being a young girl and just wanting to be accepted and loved. Isn't that what we all want? But this world is teaching us to gain it in the wrong ways. This world is pointing us into the direction of devastation before we even get started in life. Every choice effects us in one way or another.

What is the big hurry? We need to teach our children to take a stand and be firm in who they in Christ. This is just one battle that will turn into others that we will fight for the rest of our lives. Satan is out there wanting nothing less than to kill and destroy us.

What if we took the time to mentor a young adult? What if we gave our time to reach out and be the example God is calling us to be? Teaching a young woman to be a virtuous woman would change her life forever. Just reading over Proverbs 31 each day would give a young woman strength and courage. Filling one's mind with pure thoughts drowns out all those the world wants us to hear.

I think sharing the truth of our lives, those very mistakes we have made and how God has turned them around for His good can bring young people to understand they are not alone. Young people want to talk. They want others to listen. To often no one wants to hear what they have to say. We need to be willing to mentor and stand in the gap for all those children who have no one in their life giving them the influence they need to make right choices.

Making the right choices and surrounding your life with the right friends is life changing. We need to be a part of our children's lives in every way. Don't just ask, "How was your day?" Dig down deeper. Share a snack and give them room to talk. Too many times I did all the talking and didn't allow my girls to share their whole heart. Oh, they shared, but I wasn't really listening. We have to be willing to hear everything and take the time to search God's word before we give answers. Nothing has to be said or done in the heat of the moment. If I could go back after a talk I would have spent time in prayer before answering and I would have sought out God's wisdom instead of following my own. Take time to be still and listen for God's instruction.

"He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." Proverbs 13:20

You might be thinking you have nothing to offer a  young person. You couldn't be more wrong. You can give them your time. Open your home. Your heart and share the wisdom of your years. There is healing in sharing. You might just be that one person who will bring new life to another just by hearing your story. Reach out. Start a new program at your church. Get involved with your youth group. Say hello to that young person next door. One voice is all it takes to change the life of another.

A Thankful Challenge

A few days ago I began reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Every now and then a book comes into your possession that changes your life. This is one of those books. Written like poetry in motion, Ann, brings light to giving thanks. Simply giving thanks. I have yet to write my review, but as you can see, it will be a great review.  This is one of those books you take slowly and let the words sit upon your tongue like sweet honey. I am highlighting and going back to read over words that are just so powerful. Powerful, but yet simple.

I answered yes to Christ eighteen years ago. The question is, "How many times do I say no to Him?" Being a Christian is not about no, but all about yes. Part of that yes comes from being totally thankful. In Ann's book she is taking a challenge of writing down 1000 things she is thankful for. Each day she adds to her list. I think this is so powerful and life changing for us as Christians. It takes our eyes off of what isn't and places them on what is.

I have been carrying around a little leather journal in my purse and now I know just what I am to do with it. I am going to begin my list of thanks. I am going to keep that journal with me and each day when something touches my heart, makes me smile or invites me to think I am going to write it down. Taking note of God's goodness. Being thankful is an invitation to dine with Jesus daily. I love that about Him.

Too many times I wake up and the first thing out of my mouth is, "Gosh, that was a horrible night of sleep." First thing? Shouldn't the first words of my mouth be of thanks? I sure wasn't on a dirty floor sleeping. I was tucked in warm. As I slept my family was just down the hall. I had Daisy's warmth and my husband's soft touch. So many things to be thankful for. Too many times we just don't speak our thanks. For me, I think writing it down means even more. It is me taking the time to focus on the beauty around me which in turn allows me to clearly see the workings of God.

If you haven't picked up this book I encourage you to do so. It is a powerful read that will set your heart in a new direction. This just might be one of those books I simply carry with me. You know, I am known to carry a few books in my bag at all times. LOL Why not? Why not keep with us those very things that make us think and make our eyes turn away from ourselves into the presence of God?

A few months ago, a friend, Shawn Boreta, really inspired me to begin a new blog of thanks. Nothing else, but giving thanks. Simply Robin is just that. Simply me, giving thanks to a God who is forever trying to get my attention and bring me closer to Him.

I think I am finally really getting it. Don't you love it when God opens your eyes to something new? Something He has been trying to get you to see for a long time? The more I uncover the more God unfolds for me. How do I uncover it? By simply looking. By seeking Him more. The more I seek Him the more He will uncover things for me to see fully.  It is just letting go of all the nonsense in life. Opening up my heart to all He has for and just being the woman He is creating me to be. In giving thanks continually throughout the day I am giving praise. I am living in worship. I am bowing to the Holy One who lives in me. Giving thanks is powerful beyond words really. I can speak all day that I am a Christian. That I am a follower of Christ, but if my life is not showing it my words mean nothing. If my heart is not thankful in all can I really be of Christ? We complain so very much. In complaining we make everything about us. No matter what we are complaining about we really make it about us. Why? Well, whatever is making us complain is not making us happy. Well, what if we totally changed our attitude and sought out thankfulness in each and every thing? In doing so we tend to see the bright side of all. In seeing the bright side we give light to God. We give Him room to shine.

I hope you will join me in beginning a new journey of thanks. Last night I found myself thankful for the tender glow of the moon. The glimmer of the stars and the cool underside of my pillow. Things we take for granted each and every day. For me, it is time to live out loud what I am thankful for. I want to celebrate Christ through living a life filled with purpose and thanks.

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." Philippians 3:1

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I wills say, rejoice." Philippians 4:4

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

A thankful heart is a prayerful heart!!

Another Day of Yuck!

I missed church once again today. As I set my alarm last night I was excited to be going to church since I had missed last week. But as I woke it was not to be. In bed once again is where I spent my morning. I have not been feeling well. Life of a girl with Fibromyalgia. I had been feeling poorly. Pain shooting down my arm. My neck aching and not able to sit up straight because my shoulders hurt so badly. Lets add in the panic attack to go with the arm pain. I was told to go in to my doctor. Turns out after test my heart is okay, I just have a pinched nerve in my neck. Doesn't that sound like a ball of fun? I can share with you that this is a pain that meds do not touch. Of course there is some fancy name to my new condition that I cannot spell let alone say. LOL When my doctor enters the room where I am waiting patiently to see him he turns and smiles at me. He too knows whatever it is with me is never easy. It has been one of those weeks where I am trying to relieve this pain while a cluster migraine bombards me with pain. Oh, did I mention my TMJ too? Yes a week indeed!

I had been feeling so wonderful for the past few weeks. Getting up early and taking charge of my chores and tasks at hand even having time spared to read and write at the end of my day. When you face chronic pain you never take a day of feeling wonderful for granted. You know it might last a week, a day or an hour. You grab it and run!

I hate giving into pain. As I write now I have pain shooting across my shoulders. Fibromyalgia is one of those dreaded diseases that at night all I want is for my husband to hold me and I am in so much pain he can't. No one seems to understand because you don't look sick. You don't act sick. Well, you become so used to your pain you put on a smile and try as you might to continue throughout the day. You often feel like you can't share with others, because after a while you begin to sound like a little elderly woman sharing all of her ailments. So, you tuck everything in neat and tight and when asked how you are you just smile and say, "I'm doing okay." If it is a good friend they know you are covering up and tucking that pain down deep so no one can see. A good friend can read you like a book.

My jammies and big sweat shirts have become my attire for the day. You just put on something comfortable and try as hard as you can to make it through the day. Depression wants to take hold of you. Oh, believe me, I too know the depths that it can take you. You want to get out and do things and you feel like doing nothing but sleeping away your pain.

So, what do you? Do you just give up? Nope, you turn to Christ for His strength. I stop in the middle of my pain and say, "Okay God, You are going to have to help me through this day or I am not going to make it." You know what? He does. In fact, He does more than that. He sets my eyes past my pain to Him and the blessings of each moment. I find myself turning to Him more and more. In releasing my pain to Him I have a peace come over me. A peace that surpasses all pain and I feel His comfort wash over me.

I don't know why we have to suffer. I don't know why I have to walk this road, but God, in all His wisdom knows. He is opening my eyes up to a new strength. He is showing me I can make it through Him. Philippians 4:13 has new meaning for me. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I am learning this verse is all about being a willing vessel for God. No matter what is touching my life I am to be open to His call. I am to follow Him in every aspect of my life. Through each pain I can cry out to Him and I never fail to hear from Him or be comforted by Him. It is His strength that brings me through each day.

There are many different kinds of pain. Some carry physical pain. For others the pain is deep within their heart. Some carry  depression. Whatever your pain it effects all areas of your life. It seems as though when you live with chronic pain it turns into a pain within your heart. You feel left out and alone. You then begin to feel depressed and Satan is soon attacking you making you think no one at all cares about you. Pain leaves scars. Scars that are deep that others cannot see unless they are looking closely. As each one of us carry a different pain we can stand together and lift one another up. We can help raise those burdens off our shoulders and lay them at the cross.

"And God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

There is nothing that God cannot do for us. There is no path that He hasn't  gone before us. In fact, He is there waiting on us.  We must remember nothing touches us without first going through His hand. Upon us is exactly where His hand will stay.

I love reading Philippians. For me it has filled me with such encouragement and strength. When I am wallowing in my self pity I turn to Philippians 4:8 which says, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things." I can make a choice to focus on my pain or focus on the Lord and all the good in my life. It is that choice that will set us above the valley and place us on that mountain top. No matter how deep the valley the mountain top is always in our sights.

Don't lose hope my friends. Don't allow your pain to steal away your joy and laughter. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

I think of Paul in 2 Corinthians chapter 12 when he is calling out to God. He calls out to Him three times. Each time God answered Him. He heard his prayer. He spoke to Paul and in verse 9 He tells Paul that His grace is sufficient. His grace is fufficient for you and me too. His grace is all we need.

"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in inifirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

Even in our worst pain God will bring glory through His Son, Jesus Christ. Hold on and be still friends. Although we may not see an end in sight, He does. We are a work in progress and in our sufferings is when others see Him give us a strength that could only come from God. They get a glimpse of His mighty power through our weakness. Our weakest moments become His strongest. When you are hurting cry out to Him. You just give Him all your anxiety, pain, and sorrow. He will replace it with comfort and peace. Trust in Him and He will turn those days of yuck into days of grace.

DEADLY TIES by VICKI HINZE

Put your seat belt on friends because you are in for a ride!! Deadly Ties is a thriller/suspense novel with faith, love and so much more added in. Vicki Hinze has this way of bringing everything together that you get the whole package. This is the second in the series. The first is FORGET ME NOT. I encourage you to read the first. It will give you more insight into the crisis center and the lives of the characters of this book.

As the book begins we catch a glimpse of  three characters lives. Lives that will all connect and make an impact on one another. Annie Harper, Mark Taylor and Karl Masson. Annie Harper loses her husband and her daughter, Lisa, witness' a horrific crime. Mark Taylor is a military man, trained in Special Operations. He loses one of his own during a battle overseas. Karl Masson is a killer for hirer. He is part of an organized crime group called NINA.

Dr. Lisa Harper is a woman who can take care of herself with a black belt in Karate, but the only thing that is going to protect her when she is abducted is her faith God. After, Annie's husband, Charles, was murdered, Annie, marries Dutch Hauk. A man with evil intentions and one who owned Annie in every way. He feels threatened by her daughter, Lisa, and wants her out of the way. Lisa has not seen her mother in years. Not because she doesn't love her, but to protect her. On a night of a special occasion for Lisa, her mother was to come in secret, but she didn't show up. Tragedy happens in their lives once more and now, Annie, is in ICU.

Mark has been keeping an eye on Annie for years now. He too has been in love with Lisa since he first saw her. His feeling run deep, but is terrified of losing someone else dear to him. His old friends are in town. Friends that served together and now remain close. They are out to find who did this to Annie. As they are searching for her attacker, Lisa, finds herself being kidnapped. Was it Dutch? Did he have another do his dirty work?

Karl, along with Dutch are in deep with NINA. There is more than just revenge on Dutch's part. He is after so much more. The twists and turns in this book just keep you turning page after page. Human trafficking, prostitution and fighting for life all ties in to this story. As deadly ties bring them all together the ties of faith will keep them going.

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

Running low on fuel?

My husband is one of those who wants me to be prepared. I must say I am a blessed woman to have such an amazing husband to care for me as he does. During the winter my trunk is filled with warm clothes, blankets and everything I need in case I get stranded. He forever keeps reminding me to keep my car filled up. See, living in the country if you have an emergency in the middle of the night there are no gas stations for miles. He also knows it is not good for your car to run on low fuel all the time. You know what happens every time he gets into the car? You guessed it. The fuel is low. I always tell him, "Well, I started out with a full tank." He then reminds me before I come home I need to make sure there is gas in the tank. Yes, I am one of those girls who just gets in the car and drives. I never look at anything. If those gages don't light up, well then, I think I am good to go!


I was once driving into the city for a doctor's appointment. This was years ago. Funny how I still remember the smoke coming from the hood of the truck. As I am driving all of a sudden the truck starts slowing down and here comes all this smoke barreling out. I thought what in the world is happening. Well, it turns out I was low on oil. Hey, no gage lite up to tell me that. LOL Anyway I ended up blowing up the truck. That was one of those days you wish you just would have stayed home.

See, the reason my husband keeps me prepared is because he knows I depend on him. He knows I don't know the first thing about cars, but he is teaching me. I know now that every car doesn't have gages that light up.

If our cars are low on anything they just do not run correctly. They not only don't run correctly they are not going to run for very long at all! Gas, oil, the list goes on and on. We have to take time making sure our vehicles are in tip top shape. We can't depend on someone else to do it, we must learn to do it.


I was out shopping with my daughter one summer day and all of a sudden our truck stops. I mean stops! Well, I am thinking, "Oh no, I have done it yet again." I end up calling a tow truck. Well, my husband meets the tow truck there and as I am thinking I have done something horrible, they both turn and laugh. You know what happened? I ran out of gas! We were out shopping and just didn't pay much attention to the gages once again. And again, there was no light!!  You can imagine what my husband is thinking when he receives a phone call from me.

Can you relate to that? Oh, I can too. Not only do our cars need fuel, but our bodies need fuel. I wake and get busy doing chores and I simply forget to eat. I may not eat until that afternoon, but by then my body is reminding me I should have eaten. Our doctors tell us we should eat a healthy breakfast. Nutrition is the key to a healthy life. Good food is fuel for your body. I can tell when I eat better I feel better. When I am running low on a good supply of nourishment my mind too runs low. It is like I am in a fog and moving slowly through the day. I never seem to accomplish anything because I am so very exhausted. Ever feel that way? I see the list before me and just want to stop before I get started.

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

We would not set out to take a trip without first filling up our tank. That would just be nonsense. If we don't, well, we might just find ourselves sitting on the side of road waiting for assistance. Life is the same for us. We are not going to make it very far with an empty tank. God is our fuel. When we start our day with Him we are prepared for the day. When we end our evening with Him we too are ready to lay our head down for rest. Rest seems to come more easily for me after I have spent time talking with God. He knows our bodies. He knows every part of us. I can tell you if I do not begin my day with the Lord I feel like I am running on fumes. Even throughout the day, He is that needed boost we need to make it through the next hour, even the next minute.

"Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:11-13

My doctor had told me long ago I needed to eat six small meals a day instead of three large meals. It worked. I felt so much better. I had more energy and at the end of the day I didn't find myself falling over in exhaustion. What if we lived our Christian lives in the same way? Why not talk to God throughout the day for that needed fuel for the walk ahead? We can't wake up and not begin with Him. It just doesn't work. He is like that breath of fresh air. That crisp morning breeze that wakes us and makes us smile. No matter what my day brings it is always better when I begin with Him. Keeping a healthy relationship with Him will increase our stamina and fill our minds with the needed nourishment to do all He has called us to.

In our daily walk God He will be our light to tell us when something is wrong. He will give us the warning signals so we know to pull over and refuel. He will keep us in check and having a full tank with Him will take us farther than we ever knew possible.

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9

When we fill up on God's word and His goodness it flows through us. When we focus on Him there is a peace that enters our heart that brings a quietness and a gentleness. We react to others in love. Our attitudes are softer and we are aware of God's presence all around us. He gives us the wisdom we need to face every situation. He gives us a passion to reach out to others.

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Galatians 5:16

When we stop and fill up with God's word His Spirit will move through us in ways we never thought possible. He will allow every situation to be an opportunity to bring glory and honor to Him. You know just what I am speaking of. When we begin our day with Him we have a joy that is lasting. Just as if we start the day with a great breakfast. We feast upon His word it not only brings blessings to us, but all those around us.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

LETS CHAT FRIDAY with CECE MORGAN

I have had great opportunities meeting people all over the world doing God's work. One of those women I have had the pleasure of coming in contact with is CeCe Morgan. She is a woman who inspires me to strive for bigger. God is so big and mighty. All He needs is a willing vessel and He can accomplish great things. Big things!! Your life shouts out, "Give more and to let God take the lead!" CeCe is in the mission fields of love. She is a woman who gives more than she takes. She opens her heart up so the Lord can flow through touching precious children. There are little ones across this world that are now being cared for because of the loving hands of CeCe. She has obeyed God and stepped out of her box to accept His calling to go and to teach. She will soon return to Kenya for more mission work. I don't think CeCe thinks of it as work though. It is the life God has called for her. A life of giving and reaching souls for the glory of God. It is my hope that you too are inspired by CeCe today.


CeCe, please tell us a little about yourself.
I am a believer and lover of Jesus Christ first foremost. I take stock in knowing who and whose I am in Him. I am a mother of a 23 year Son that I love very dearly. He is my rock and I his biggest fan! I enjoy meeting people and have a love for the little people in the world. I am a work in progress and continuously strive to do the best I can with what I have.


Could you please share your testimony with us?
I truly believe my misery became my ministry. I am a SURVIVOR! Pretty much I grew up as very happy girl in a very normal family. However, at the age of nine I was sexually abused by someone very close to our family. It has taken me seven years to say that sentence. The abuse continued for a few years and I became a very broken. I felt like I lost my happy. The abuse didn’t stop until we moved away and the person was no longer apart of the family. As I grew into a teenager I rebelled and became introverted. I kept this secret with me until I was about 20 years old and didn’t disclose until after watching an episode of Oprah Winfrey in the early nineties. My hurt has led me to helping other hurt children in the world. God has delivered me from some of the darkness places that I believe many people couldn’t return from.



In your journey as a woman what has been the most challenging?
The most challenging for me as woman has been allowing God to move on my behalf regarding my heart desire, which is my desire for a Godly husband. In the past I tried to make things work in my own strength, not realizing at the time we were unevenly yoke. Now I am learning with all the deception and hurt that I have been through; God is steadily rebuilding and redeeming me as a woman. I believe He is going to give me someone who truly loves me with all my faults & flaws, sometimes we just have to be still and wait on him.

Can you share with us just how you came to be in the ministry and when you heard God's calling?

I always knew I would do something with children and education, I just didn’t know it would ever end up in Africa helping orphan children. I was invited to go on a mission trip in 2007 to Kenya. Upon my visit I feel in love with the people and the county. Once I return home to the States I started to send over school supplies and care packages. While I was there teaching school, I saw children doing their homework in the dirt. Imagine the dirt is the tablet and the finger is the pencil. This image would not leave my head and I had to do something. It was then that I realized… me being invited to this country was orchestrated by God. I have been all over the world, working with some of the poorest children, but something about Kenya pulled at my heart. I fell in love. It was then that I knew this is it. This is your purpose, this is your calling.

I believe a mistake is only a mistake is we cannot walk away with a greater wisdom. Has there been a time in your life where struggle occurred from a poor decision and if so, how did you overcome?

Yes, I have deal with struggle from a bad decision and I felt like I was punished harshly for it. I have made bad business decisions impulsively without seeking God first and that have really caused some serious headaches and grief.

How do you define success?

Being able to look at you and love you the way Christ loves you. Unconditionally

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself at the age of eighteen to prepare you for life ahead?

Not being afraid to be who you are as a person, regardless of how anyone views you.

With the new year beginning and spring right around the corner already, what are you hoping to accomplish in this year?

I pray the my projects in Africa go well (Orphanage )

What encouraging words would you share with someone going through loss?

Hurt until it feels better. Don’t suppress their feeling. Let everything out. Seek God face and unseen friends ( God’s angels)

My Pastor says, "If the Lord has done something for you the least we can do is say so." Dear friend, what is the Lord doing for you?

He is teaching me forgiveness and humility. That His unwavering love is covering me even when my back is against the wall. There is a sense of protection. He is my friend and protector

What empowering advice would you give to someone facing adversity?

Trust and stay in God word (Pray and obey) Adversity can bring out the addictions in us, i.e. drinking, smoking, etc. But wouldn’t it be cool if every time we had a problem we pick up the Bible instead of the bottle.

As women we wear many hats. We can feel at times we are juggling with one hand. How do you do it all? Where do you begin and what do you let go?

Honestly when I was leaving in Vietnam over the summer I started my days with prayer and cover every student desk in my classroom in prayer and planned my days. Now being back in States I feel like I don’t have time to even mediate. I am trying get back to balancing my days. If I don’t have time to be in God present my days are out of order. So to answer the question, I am trying to get back to order and balance and let go of things that are out of my control. We can’t do and be everything.

In your legacy what do you hope to leave behind?
Forgiveness, in addition, that I was able to meet people where they are in life.


CeCe, thank you for taking time to share with us. You are such a beautiful woman with a heart filled for serving the Lord. If only more people could be as loving as you more could be reached for the Kingdom of Christ. We can learn so much from you about giving. Through your life you inspire. God is creating new lives through your call to service. Thank you for all you do, CeCe. It is an honor to know you and so awesome to see God moving in great ways through you. Blessings to you sweet friend.  

Friends, I encourage you to take the time and check out the links below. CeCe is doing amazing work and we too can be part of the mission field.

http://www.coloururworld.org/

http://www.cywf.blogspot.com/

WHILE THE WORLD WATCHED (A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age During the Civil Right Movement) by CAROLYN MAULL McKINSTRY with DENISE GEORGE

Have you ever read a book and when you turned the last page you were left speechless? This is a book for all to read. On September 15, 1963 Carolyn Maull McKinstry's life changed forever. Just as she leaves the bathroom of her church a bomb goes off killing four of her friends. This is Carolyn's account of what happened that day. Carolyn was coming of age during the riots and hatred that seemed to take over our nation. The KKK was alive and active destroying the lives of many.

In this beautifully written story, Carolyn tells of what life was like during that time and into present day. It is sad that such a horrific day must forever be imprinted in one's mind. Poignantly, Carolyn brings these years to life for women like me who were never touched by such evil. I was born in 1966 and my life was far from the anguish that Carolyn experienced. Carolyn talks about the march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and brings us through the assassinations of the Kennedy's. She shares all the evils that occurred during this time in history. These were times that evil attacked and left a mark forever.

Carolyn shares the forgiveness she has in her heart and the strength the Lord has given her to overcome. As she tells the story of the past it is like you too are present with her. She shares with such passion. God has used Carolyn in many ways. While the world watched she lived it. While the world judged she forgave. While the world turned away she was ever present with her family and friends. Carolyn's church was a huge part of her life and her faith has carried her through many dark times and has been there to encourage her as she is the voice of the past for those of us who were not present.

I admire Carolyn. She is one of those women I would be honored to have lunch with. To sit and just share. Her story comes to life through these pages and within these pages we get a glimpse of who her friends were. Their lives are not forgotten, but remembered by the love of a friend who lives to tell the story.

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

Carolyn McKinstry:

Carolyn Maull McKinstry is a survivor of the Civil Rights struggle and an eyewitness to the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing. As a teenager, she marched under Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and bravely faced Bull Connor's German shepherds and stinging fire hoses during the battle for equal rights in her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama.

Now, nearly fifty years after the bombing, Carolyn is still an active member of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, serves as president of the Sixteenth Street Foundation, and works full time spreading her message of racial reconciliation.

A highly sought-after speaker, she has appeared on Oprah, 20/20, CNN, and MSNBC, and portions of her story have been featured in Life magazine and USA Today. She has made numerous television and documentary appearances, including Spike Lee's documentary Four Little Girls; Soledad O'Brien's Black in America; Brian Williams's Shades of Progress, Shadows of Hate; and Family Network's We Shall Not Be Moved.

Carolyn has addressed audiences in New Delhi, Mumbai, Barcelona, and the Italian Baptist Evangelical Union in Rome, as well as the Rosa Parks Museum, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., and numerous colleges and universities.

She recently received her master of divinity from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama, where she currently lives with her husband, Jerome.

LARKSPUR COVE by LISA WINGATE

Andrea Henderson has not had a great year. In fact she is still trying to move past her failed marriage and grasp the reality of raising a teenage son who is hurting so badly. Andrea has had to move back into her parents lake home and begin life anew. She feels as though she is just never up to making her parents proud. They seem to always have something to critisize.

Her teenage son, Dustin, misses his father and finds himself with the wrong group of friends out on a dangerous part of the lake. While he and his new friends are ready for anything, Game Warden, Mart McClendon, finds them just before they find more trouble. As Dustin is struggling, Andrea, is trying to be the mother she is called to be, but she is finding that she is reminding herself of her mother. She and Dustin are both on a journey of healing and we witness the ups and downs of coming together as mother and son.

Mart too is trying to move forward, but if having a hard time of letting go of guilt and feelings that he can't quite understand. Tragedy has struck his family and  as others want things to stay the same, Mart, just wants to heal and get past it all.  He tends to keep everything in, while Andrea just needs someone to listen.

Mart and Andrea connect as Mart is working on getting  Dustin into a boat safety course instead of being ticketed. Andrea's new job is taking her to places all throughout the country. Places on the other side of the lake. She is seeing much heartache in the children she is trying reach and help. On her first day out she gets lost and finds herself with a flat tire. One man stops, but doesn't help her. Something just isn't right. As he pulls away, Andrea, sees a little girl tucked inside. This precious little girl brings Andrea and Mart together as they seek to help her. As the story revolves around this precious little one named, Birdie, there is more going on than meets the eye. Secrets lie in those woods and will soon be found out.

I loved this book. It was so romantic and filled with stories of faith, family, and friendships. We see how the Lord heals through time and how He places the perfect people in our lives at the perfect time. He seems to connect us all just when we think we are alone. Through reaching out to another we can find the peace we too are searching for. Lisa has a beautiful way with words. You find yourself turning  pages and before you know it you are finished and she leaves you wanting more.

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

Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, A Month of Summer, and The Summer Kitchen. Lisa and her family live in central Texas. Visit www.lisawingate.com

God's witness protection program

When you think of the witness protection program what do you think about? Do you see a person who has witnessed, but is now being attacked for what they have seen or heard? They are now in fear. There are many who do not want them to spread the Word. They do not want others to find out the truth laid out before them. They are seeking refuge. A place of solice and protection. In God we can find that refuge and solice.

"Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness." Psalm 143:9-10

As we witness we can allow fear to overcome us. Friends, there is no reason to fear the truth. There is no reason not to continue being witness' of God's glory. His salvation is for everyone. No one is without hope. We are His hands and feet to move about teaching and discipling others in His Word. As God gives us a calling He is going to equip us with all we need. He is going to step out before us and prepare the way. He is going to stand with us as we move on His behalf and He too will be behind us protecting us from all enemies who are trying to keep us from completing His will.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:8-10

Our greatest enemy? Ourselves. Yes indeed. We are the ones who hold us back. It is our pride, our fear of rejection, our lack of trust and sometimes just plain selfishness with no time left over to do God's will. We are too busy trying to do our own. But, it isn't about us. We make it all about Him and He will place us in His witness protection program designed just for those He has chosen. Just for us, His children.

In seeing His mighty works and witnessing His grace daily we should be more than willing to step out into the open reaching out to others and praying for those we meet. Just planting seeds and being a willing vessel for God will not just touch the hearts of others, but will increase our faith as we see Him work through our life and in the lives of those around us.

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Do we really think a God who can create this world with just speaking would give His children gifts with no way to use them? He has already given us all we need. We just need to believe and trust in Him. We too just need to allow the Holy Spirit to move through us. I have a hard time with looking back and seeing how many opportunities I allowed to pass just because of my fear of witnessing. Friends, we just need to get over ourselves and get there and be about God!!

How many times do we go to a baseball game and cheer like crazy people, but we can't raise our hand in praise at church? We go out into freezing temps to watch a football game when we can't even make it to church if it is raining. We can do all kinds of things to bring attention to ourselves when we want. The want has to be there to follow God and do His will.

So many times we just have to be transparent. We must be real. We can't just walk around with a smile when things are falling apart. We must allow others to see our weakness, so they too can see God's strength. God will not open a door without walking through it with us. Every no is a yes to something He is calling us to. We just have to get out of the way and allow Him to take the lead. We need to walk a fearless road. Fearless in not allowing this world to take away our will to walk with God. Fearless in not allowing the enemy to encamp in our heart. Fearless in walking the road God has paved for us knowing He is already where He is calling us to be. There is no fear in faith. In faith we let go of ourselves and trust the One who has us under His protective hand.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20


The only difference in God's witness protection program is that He wants us out in the open. He wants us reaching others. He wants us to speak the truth and open our heart and home to those around us. He wants others to see Him through us. We will never take one single step without His presence going before us. He knows what is up ahead and He will move on our behalf to make way for all of Heaven's glory to be revealed through His Son, Jesus Christ. The enemy has nothing on us with a God of protection standing before us!! Fear not friends. Step out in faith and do His will and work!!