Give gifts that make a difference this year!

I'd like to issue a Bloggy Challenge today! Instead of giving gifts this year that will, most likely, end up in next summer's yard sale - why not give a gift that will make a HUGE difference in the life of a stranger? It's so easy, and you - and the recipient - will feel so great for doing it! Just visit Samaritan’s Purse Christmas gift catalog and pick one or two or ten to give.

Here are some of my favorites…

• Feed a hungry baby for a week $9

• Give an orphan a month of loving care $35

• Rescue a child from bondage and abuse $75

• Provide care for AIDS orphans and widows $45

• Supply a community with clean water $18 (for a family)

• Bibles and Christian literature $15

• Or choose "Where Most Needed" and make a donation of any amount. It was so hard for me to decide that this is the option I chose.
  

I wonder how many donations we could get if we all teamed up and wrote one post on our blogs with our favorite gifts of love and a link to Samaritan’s Purse?

Oh, and if you purchase a gift by Sunday at 9pm EST, you have 10 extra entries into this Sondra Roberts purse giveaway at Like A Warm Cup of Coffee! (retail value $107)

Please leave a comment and let us all know what your family chose to give!

Exemplify today!

Been super-busy here lately, so I haven't gotten to blog much... what with work, kids, ummm....Farmville on Facebook (my latest addiction) ;)

So today I share with you my third Weekly Wednesday Whatever, which I am blessed to be able to contribute to Exemplify Magazine Online. Hope you enjoy, comment, and link back! :)

I was hungry...

So, after blogging and talking and researching it for quite awhile - I finally started my fast. Before you read further, realize that I know that there are people who have done this before, and for MUCH longer, but this was my first time and frankly - God blew my socks off!!

I'd never fasted (on purpose) before, and I was certain I'd cave before afternoon break time. However, being the overachiever that I sometimes am - I decided to do 24 days, ending on Thanksgiving Day - how perfect!

But after 5 days, I started feeling led to stop. I questioned whether it was me subconsciously thinking that I wanted to stop, or God telling me to stop... so I kept going for 2 more days.

Sunday at church, I got this overwhelming sense of peace and felt.... "ok, I'm done." And the crazy part of it all is - after 7 days without so much as a nibble of a crumb of food, I didn't even want any. It wasn't like I was starving and thinking I needed an 'excuse' to stop fasting. I haven't felt better in ...well, ever. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually - never better. Just typing this makes me want to do it again! My husband was pleasantly surprised at how NICE I was during this, as well. The night before I started he said "Please don't get all cranky and take it out on me." I don't know where he got that crazy idea! o:) Instead of being cranky, I was happier last week than I can ever remember being. Peaceful, content, at times bouncy and energetic (yeah, people were looking at me kinda funny at those times) - but mostly just so at peace. Amazing.

You know how we always say "I'm starving!" or even just "I'm hungry!"? One thing I did while I was going through this fast was to think about and pray for all of those who don't have the choice of whether or not they will eat each day: in my neighborhood, my county, my state, country, world...there are people who die every day because they have no food. It really puts things into perspective. And I'm amazed now at just how little food we really need to survive - and how truly gluttonous we can be, even just eating a "normal meal". Seriously, a regular dinner for one person at say - Olive Garden - could feed a starving family somewhere to the point of them all being stuffed. And yet, we just take it for granted and say "More breadsticks, please!"

Sorry, now I'm babbling ...it's hard to put all of this into words that make any sense. :)

This is definitely something that I will do regularly. I never would have imagined I would/could go without eating for a WEEK, but I did and I'm now walking closer to God than I ever have before. I was hungry - but not for food. I craved worship, I prayed constantly, I didn't want to even watch tv or listen to anything but praise music on the radio... it was incredible and all seemingly out of my control.

It is hard for me to put into words what this has meant to me. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade expresses exactly what I've felt, though:

As I began my fast, I was not sure I could continue for forty days. But my confidence was in the Lord to help me. Each day His presence encouraged me to continue. The longer I fasted, the more I sensed the presence of the Lord. The Holy Spirit refreshed my soul and spirit, and I experienced the joy of the Lord as seldom before. Biblical truths leaped at me from the pages of God's Word. My faith soared as I humbled myself and cried out to
God and rejoiced in His presence.

I am posting this so that anyone else who is afraid or wondering about fasting will know that "with God, ALL things are possible". Don't be afraid. You can do it.

If you're feeling led to fast - do it! You will never regret it.

Here are some great links on fasting and prayer:
7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting & Prayer
Fasting for Dummies
There are tons more... just Google "prayer and fasting"

And this is a great book - not just about fasting, but it's what got me thinking about it: Starving Jesus: Off the Pew, Into the World

Exemplify - new meme!

I'm more than a little nervous today.
The new ExemplifyOnline meme, The Weekly Wednesday Whatever debuts today! I am so honored to be part of the amazing group of women at Exemplify, and I thank Kristen and the team for trusting me to write this weekly feature.
It is truly humbling to be used in the company of such godly women writers and ministers!

My prayer is that whatever is written will be from Him and used by Him for HIS Glory. I pray that as you read each week, you are blessed by what God gives me to ponder... and that it will draw you closer to Him.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy!

Christian Reality TV?? + free e-Book!

I was flipping through channels Saturday night, and stopped on what looked like a new reality show. This one is different from the usual, though. It's a Christian reality show called Thunder Road! It follows Ben Cerullo and his crew on their missions around the world.

It was *awesome*!

I got online to check out his website, and found his wonderful new book FREE: "Proof of Love" (e-book). This is great for new Christians and old, and can be a great ministry tool for your friends and family! Check it out! :) There are TONS of other resources at the site to help you grow in your walk with Jesus.

This team are not a bunch of bench warmers - they are going OUT to reach people, and don't care how far they have to travel or how desperate the location. It's an awesome thing to see, and so inspirational to see all of the lives changed and people who may never have heard the Word receiving it through this small group of men & women from various backgrounds.

You can watch Thunder Road at http://www.bencerullo.com/ or check your local Christian television station listings.

Back to "normal" ?

Whatever that is! Boy, I wish I'd seen this picture a couple of weeks ago. We sure could have used it around my house! What a great idea!

Hubby got (what the doc is pretty sure was) H1N1 and was out of work all last week - just miserable, the poor dear. Then Saturday, I finally went down with some type of "cough due to cold" (as Forest Gump would say). Still have it, but you know us moms/wives don't have time to be sick - so I press on.

Thought I'd better post something here - so yeah, aren't you glad I did? :)

I hope the bug isn't spreading like wildfire wherever you live. It certainly is here in NC. Pray for all of those who are sick! God still heals!

Remember - today & always

I got this in an email this morning. I usually delete forwards, but this one was so good I had to post it. I even printed it to hang up on my mirror at home - I definitely need these reminders! Hope you're blessed by it, as well.

1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule; or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for every day purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus.'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously; but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

Free Bible Study e-books! This is awesome!

I posted a while back about my new online friend, Kristi and her blog that is just stuffed full of great information, inspiration, and fun.

Now she's outdone herself by putting her most popular Bible studies into FREE e-books that you can download, print, distribute, and use for your own quiet time and personal study! I'm so excited to start the first one - if I can decide on which one to do first!

Here's what Kristi has to say:

If you're looking for something to spice up your own personal Bible study or if you're confused by the Bible and would like an easy-to-understand introduction, I'm working on compiling some of our previous Bible studies into downloadable ebooks for your personal use.

Enjoy! And please remember to thank her for this amazing ministry tool she's provided for us all!

Spiritual Fasting?

A friend of mine is finishing a 40 day fast this upcoming week. Yes, 40 days with absolutely NO food - only juice and water. He says he feels amazing, has tons of energy, but most importantly - feels closer to God than ever. I want this.

I've considered fasting for years, but never really done it long term. I've done a day here and there, but that's about it. (what can I say, I love to eat, and I am weak!)

But I've felt the need to get closer to God, to just let myself be totally dependent on Him, to give it ALL to Him - and I haven't been doing very well with that in some areas. I've been praying about this for some time now, and what I keep hearing is - I really need to lay down some things at His alter and give them over to Him once and for all. You know how sometimes we say we've "given it over to God", but then we - in our silliness - soon think we need to take back control over the situation... ~shaking head~ As if we can even think of doing the work that only He can??

Questions:
Have you fasted?
For how long?
Any advise for someone thinking of attempting a longer-term fast?
What are your general thoughts on fasting?

Friends I've Found Mondays

I usually start out my Monday mornings (after everyone in the house has left) by sitting with my coffee and looking over my Google Reader list to catch up on my favorite blogs. It's a great way to start the week with some fresh inspiration from the wonderful sites I've discovered.

So I decided that I will share one with you each week. Mondays will be a day that I will share a blog that I've run across that has touched me in some way - may be a funny blog, a thoughtful one, a crazy one, may be about couponing/homemaking/Bible/other topic.

I never realized until recently how many WONDERFUL blogs there are out there that are such blessings! I hope you will check them out and let me know what you think.

My first Monday Friend-I've-Found is Kristi at



I found her blog much by "accident" (but you know, God makes no "accidents") She has been a real inspiration to me in my Bible studies and quiet times. What a wise young woman! Check her out!

Thoughtful Thursday: Do we trust God with our children?

Please note before you read further:

This is NOT a homeschool vs public school debate. Please don't start slinging mud at other parents for their own personal choices. Those comments WILL be deleted.

My children are in public school. There was never really any option since both parents have always worked (except when they were not yet school-age). I home schooled my oldest for a year, due to some violence issues he faced at his new school his freshman year. But other than that, they have been in public schools from K-12 (my daughter currently being a Junior, the boys graduated). They are believers, they are firm in their faith and convictions. My boys support our current President, my daughter leans more toward the right – perfectly fine with me. They research and read and watch (both at home and our actions/words and outside) and make up their own minds - as they should as young adults. I am not the least bit afraid of them being "led astray" by a speech from the President of the United States - whoever may be in office at the time.

How is a public school address considered “indoctrination” (as was said on the other blog - a comment, not the article), any more than homeschooling a child is? Home school parents are teaching specific things which go against other specific things. My children have learned from both sides – in our Christian family and in the public, including their public schools.

My children are/were lights in their school – my daughter is the first to invite the new kid to sit at lunch with her, or carry the handicapped child’s books to class. She also “took on” a young girl in her class who was going on about premarital sex and called my daughter a “goody two shoes Christian” because she is waiting until marriage (which she is not ashamed to let people know). She didn't "take her on" by name-calling, not by putting the other girl down who proudly and publicly discusses her sexual practices. My daughter told her very simply and compassionately what the Bible says about saving herself for marriage, and that she is a Christian who believes in this and has vowed to be abstinent. This all took place in front of the entire class, by the way. My "public school kid" has NO shame in discussing her faith. Not many Juniors in high school will step out this way. Who knows, she may have just hit a nerve with that girl. Maybe that was why she was in that class. Perhaps God put my daughter there - at that table, in that particular class - to reach that one young girl before she did something else she'd regret. All I know is I am one PROUD public-school mama. :)

Jesus did not live in a bubble. Nor did God create us to live in one.

Hear me: I am NOT saying that home schooled children are completely sheltered from the world. I am very well aware, and applaud, all of the programs available for home schooled children to participate in extracurricular activities and the parents who go to the extra effort to not only teach but create and lead outside activities.

What I am saying is that many of our Christian public school kids are ministers where God has planted them. And for those who say we should home school “if we don’t want our kids learning things we don’t agree with”, perhaps you should try to see that there are godly children who do attend public schools and try to serve as ministers there every day – along with Christian teachers, principals, counselors, lunch ladies, and others. Those students bring their un-churched friends at school to church on Sunday mornings, they share their faith to kids who may not have otherwise heard of how much Jesus loves them. Try to see, instead of passing judgment or looking down on "public school kids", what a BLESSING it is to the whole community when there are Christian children in the public schools! Jesus didn't sit and wait for those who needed Him to come to Him. He went out and met them where they were (at the well, in the town square, at the tax collectors stands, in the Temple, and on and on...) I dare say if He were walking the earth today - He'd want to be in our public schools so he could reach those kids who need Him most!

We have to trust that our children are capable of living what they have been taught, and trust the LORD that he will protect them in the world.

As Jesus said to Mary: "but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Anniversary Week!

This week, my husband & I celebrated our
4th Anniversary!

We blended our family on September 2, 2005 after being together for 4.5 years ~

bringing together our 5 kids (2 his, 3 mine - all "ours") and our extended families.

To be honest, we'd both admit that it hasn't been easy. We've been through medical problems, job issues, kid issues, dog issues (try raising a partially handicapped and often-incontinent dachshund together if you really want to test your love!), in-law issues, ex-law issues! You name it, and we've probably faced it in the past 8 years that we've been a couple.

We've also been through the break up of our previous church home - which was pretty devastating to both of us. It was then that I took my first real leap of faith in being a submissive wife and we joined a new church. I was hesitant, and it took me about six months before I would really get involved at this new church at all. I was still too raw after losing my "old church" and all of the things that had transpired in the end there. Then one day, it just "clicked" - we were Home Again. The past 3+ years with our new church family have been incredible. I think we have both grown more spiritually than we ever have before. I can't thank my husband enough for being wise enough to say "This is where we are staying." even when I wasn't sold on the idea.

He will laugh when he reads this, I'm sure, because I've never been anything remotely resembling a "submissive wife". I was one of those women that had to be independent and have things MY WAY (yes, honey, I see you nodding!). All of my adult life I've been a....oh,what's the term...CONTROL FREAK.

But after reading the words of some very wise women (this is just one), though, and seeking God's guidance in this area of my life - I have realized that I am exhausted.

I'm tired of always being in control!

I want to hand over the reigns to my husband and let him lead our household. I realize that I have taken so much from him in not allowing that up to this point. And for that, I am sorry. The Biblical role for my husband is to be the head of our family - that isn't my role as a wife. The only one I should strive to please more than my husband is God. Instead of fighting to get my way, I need to step back and seek Jesus, and pray that my husband is doing the same, and encourage him to do so. That is my Biblical role as a wife, and I plan to embrace it.

Now, this doesn't mean that I will roll over and accept everything that he says without having any opinions myself - not at all. It certainly doesn't mean that I would tolerate any abuse in any way, shape, or form. It means that I will respect him and his ideas, trust him to make the right decisions for our family, encourage him in his spiritual growth and in any areas that he struggles, and love him as Christ loves me - unconditionally.

With all of that said - Happy Anniversary, honey!

Thought for Today

Haven't posted in a bit. Returned from vacation at the beach and my brain has been scattered, can't collect my thoughts...

Anyway, here's a Deep Thought for Today, courtesy of Kay Arthur via Twitter:

"When we see people in sin & rebellion, do we say "how horrible" or" God what do You want me to say?"

Which do you say?

To infinity and beyond-beyond!

I was extremely blessed to be able to recently attend the Deeper Still conference, with speakers Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, and Priscilla Shirer. (thanks to my sweet hubby for buying me a ticket at the last minute because he knew I *so* wanted to go - even though he wanted us to go to the beach for the weekend!) I encourage every woman reading this to try and attend this conference if you are able. These amazing women challenged me to go "Deeper Still" in every part of my spiritual life. They renewed my love for the Word, gave encouragement for dealing with these trying times we live in, and reminded me that ALL the guidance I need for my daily life is found between the covers of the beloved Word of God.

(click the teachers' names for more info about them)

Priscilla is a blessed young mother who is a wonderful, dynamic Bible teacher. She reminded us all that GOD IS ABLE to do "more than we can ever ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20-21) - to not only go beyond our expectations, but beyond-beyond anything we can ask or imagine (according to His will). How amazing is it that we can ask for something from God, and know that He can do more than we could even imagine!

It's like asking for a scoop of vanilla ice cream and getting a scoop of vanilla with warm chocolate sauce on top. But wait, there's more! Not only do you get a scoop of vanilla with warm chocolate sauce on top, but you get more delicious toppings in addition that you could even IMAGINE - tastes you couldn't have even dreamed up in your own mind, treats that leave you reeling from the sheer bliss of it! How amazing that our God IS ABLE, and wants to give us this in everything we ask of Him according to His will?? Are we believing that? Do you believe that God can not only make your husband spend more time with you, but that he can also make your husband crave Scripture, be more affectionate toward you and your children, AND take you on a luxury cruise for no reason?? Sounds impossible, you say? The point is - GOD IS ABLE!!

If you're single and wish to be married - do you believe that God is bringing you a special man? Do you believe He will bring you someone perfect for you? Ok, do you believe that He will bring someone who is special, perfect for you, loves Jesus, wants to spoil you like a princess, AND is drop-dead gorgeous?? Because God IS ABLE - if you trust in Him!

Do you really believe that God can deliver your child from drugs? Do you believe He can deliver your child from drugs and make him/her want to go to college and graduate with honors? Do you believe He can deliver your child from drugs, make him/her want to go to college and graduate with honors, AND give them a calling to missions work where they will spread the Gospel to many, many others as a lifelong calling? Because guess what - God IS ABLE!

Ask God for what you need or want,
but expect BEYOND-BEYOND what you can ever imagine!

Kay Arthur - WOW. I'd never heard her speak before this conference. When she came on stage, and mentioned that she's 75 years old (she looks every bit of 60, if that!), my first thought was "Oh well, this should be good, but probably nothing I can relate to..." - she KNOCKED ME OFF MY FEET! In the midst of a 45 minute Scripture quotation/narrative (amazing how much Scripture this woman knows!) she shared her amazing testimony. "Oh, by the way, in case you think God isn't able... He delivered me from X,Y, Z, and a, b, c..." and my jaw was literally left hanging. She is so utterly transparent, unabashed in her love for Christ and his redemptive power in her own life. I don't know about you, but older women that I know don't discuss such things as adulterous affairs they had in younger years, what crappy mothers they were when their children were young, the mistakes that they made along the way - it's not something that's brought up in polite conversation, you know. Kay Arthur....thank you! For showing me that it's OK to admit we aren't perfect and never have been, to take off the mask no matter our age or mistakes of the past, and to be authentic in our identity in Christ Jesus!

"Holding onto my past means that I am not believing God's Promises"...how can I hold on to my mistakes if it means I am saying I don't believe in what my God says He WILL do?? I can't. Period. I just looked back at my notes from that Friday night - and at the top of the page, I'd written "Embrace my victory! End my 40 years of wandering!" That pretty much sums up the whole lesson for me from Kay.

Another big part of her teaching that night was on REST.
As she puts it:

Taking the Word (what God says about my situation),
marrying it with Faith (believing it!),
equals REST that only He can give.
Does anyone else need a little REST? Can I get an "Amen, sister!" :) Praise God!!

Beth Moore - need I say more? :) This woman has a blessed anointing on her teachings and is one of the funniest, yet thought-provoking teachers I've ever heard. I was laughing until my face hurt one minute, and the next crying tears of conviction and praise the next.

One question from Beth that stuck in my heart:
Are you a Casual Christian, or a Committed Christian? Do I really put God in first place where He belongs? I don't mean just saying that I do, I mean DOING it - by spending time in His Word every day, by worshiping Him at ALL times, by not trying to control my life's circumstances or others but keeping my eyes fixed on Him. (did I hear another "Amen, sister!" there?)

Do I have a drive-through fellowship with God? Do I slip in a prayer of thanks for every meal, a little blurb in the morning before I get out of bed, and another just before bed? Or do I spend time in REAL fellowship with my God. Does He not deserve more of my time? The one who created me, redeemed me, renews me - doesn't He deserve more than just a "Hi God, could you please do [this thing] for me? Thank you, Amen" prayer life?

DIALOGUE with God is true fellowship - and dialogue goes BOTH WAYS. We need to listen to God as well as speak to Him. This doesn't mean in-depth Bible studies, though they have their place and they are encouraged for us to grow in the Word. But we can quote Scripture till the cows come home, but if we don't KNOW Him, if we don't fellowship with Him as we would our very, very, very best and oldest friend - what good is it?

I am guilty of drive-through fellowship, don't get me wrong - that is why this message stabbed me in the heart. I say I don't have enough time in the day...but to put other things ahead of God in my day-planner?? God knows we are busy, especially moms - stay-at-home or working outside the home, wives, sisters, daughters, grandmothers - ALL women are busy and stretched beyond their abilities these days.

Look back at what Kay Arthur said, and pair it with what Beth Moore said - we will only find REST in God. But not if we continue to put him on the back burner for "more pressing" things that steal our time.

Well, this has gotten long enough...I could go on and on about this amazing experience. But I will just end here and encourage you all to try your best to attend some day! But more importantly, try to put God back in First place - no matter what! That's my goal, please pray that I will! Thank you for reading!

Have you Habakkuk?

First off: I am NOT a morning person, and usually hit the snooze button at least 5-10 times before getting out of bed. My 16yo daughter now has to wake ME up in the mornings for school (to take her, not myself). I tell her it's just my body's way of resting up after 21 years of getting up at 4-6am for kids. ;)

Anyway, I just committed to joining the 5:16 Gals yesterday - and this morning I was WIDE awake, tossing & turning, thinking it was probably about 3am...finally looked at the clock, and it was 5:15am.

How good is my GOD???

I got up and read Habakkuk - had been feeling led to read this itty-bitty book for days. Got some amazing insight when I did!

Are you a 5:16 Gal?

What is a 5:16 gal?

A 5:16 gal is a gal who has decided that she wants to redeem the time with her Savior. She is choosing to rise early, before the day takes her away, to sit at the feet of Jesus.

What is the 5:16 club?

The idea for the 5:16 club originated here, and began as the 5 am club. While the ultimate goal is to rise early, circumstances don't always allow (pregnancy, new baby, illness, etc.). The real purpose of this club is to encourage and journey with one another as we seek to spend time with the Lord every day - whatever time of the day you are able.

Why 5:16?

Ephesians 5:16 says, "making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." The literal meaning is "redeem the time." We are seeking to redeem the time and make the most of every opportunity to seek the Lord with all our hearts. Why? Because the days are evil. We must prepare for battle each and every day - sometimes just to get through the day!

Where do we "club?"

We "club" over at the 5:16 forum where we study scripture, pray for each other, and encourage one another in the Lord! Come join us for our latest study! If you're on Twitter, you can find the gals at the 516 Twibe where you can chat live!

Stopping by to Show Some Love! (but please don't get too close)

My Ladies group just started a new Bible study this week called "Loving Well", by Beth Moore. I love, love, love Beth - but I have to tell you....she makes me think about things I'd really rather not think about. Things I've pushed down for years, hidden away from the world and, to some extent, myself. Things that hurt to consider. But that's the point - to make us face our worst, so we can learn to live our best for Christ.

One thing that she talked about this week was the lack of real, meaningful relationships that we - especially ladies - have today. We're more plugged in than ever - IMs, cell phones, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter , blogging - but we're also more lonely than ever. We connect with thousands of people on the Internet, but never have real, deep relationships anymore. I know can I relate to that... Can you?

How often have you visited a real-life friend's MySpace or Facebook page and left a nifty little box or banner like the one above? "Stoppin' by to show some love!" - why don't we physically stop by to SEE them, in their home, and show some REAL love? Why don't we invite them to our home, or out for coffee or dinner - and show some REAL love?

I remember growing up and going with my grandparents to visit their friends, or having their friends come over and visit them. They didn't call first, they didn't have to. They didn't email back and forth to coordinate a "good time" for both parties - they didn't have the "luxury" of that technology. They just showed up on the doorstep, sat over a glass of tea or cup of coffee, and spent time together. Genuine, happy, good time. Why don't we do that anymore? Yes, we're busy - we're all busy. But how much busier must our grandparents have been - working all day without technology to help them, coming home to do chores, many working farms and other hard labor jobs --- yet they still found time to spend with family and friends. I think they knew something that we have all forgotten: real relationships - those are what really matters.

When I'm working in my garden, or pass a funny sign on the road, or one of the kids says or does something crazy - my first thought is not "I need to call _____ and tell them!" More often, it's "Oh wow, I need to blog, Tweet, Facebook" about that! Now, I can justify this by pointing out that it's easier to just post it out there for everyone, rather than calling up each person I want to share the news with and taking the time to tell each one individually. It's efficient, you see. I'm saving time - mine and theirs!

Speaking only for myself - the truth is that it's fear. Fear that I'll be interrupting my friend's life by taking up their time. Fear that people don't want to be bothered with my petty news. If I post it, or email it, or use some other form of technology to communicate - they can't reject me to my face. They can delete my email and I'll never know. They can read my FB or Tweet and move on about their day without a 2nd thought to my words. But I won't know that. I won't have the opportunity to be hurt by any form of implied rejection. I could go into all the reasons for this fear, but that's another post for another time.

I just wondered if I'm the only one of the millions of blogging women out there who feel this way? Do you use technology as a crutch to avoid real, meaningful relationships with other women? With your church family? With your family? Even with your kids or spouse?

I have a Father

I have a father
he calls me his own
he'll never leave me
no matter where I go

He knows my name
he knows my every thought
he sees each tear that falls
and hears me when I call.

Father's Day is never a good day for me. I hate being reminded of how much I didn't have growing up with a Daddy. I see other women walking arm-in-arm with their fathers, sitting with them at church, or having lunch together... and I feel jealous. I hear girls squealing "Daddy!" and realize that I've never called anyone by that name.

I haven't seen my father in 30 years now - literally, not laid eyes on him. I have one picture of him, with my mom before I was born. I sometimes have it sitting out in a frame; sometimes I hide it because it's too painful to look at. I was going to post it here today, but apparently I hid it too well last time, because now I can't find it.

He writes now and then, I try to make sure he always knows how to reach me. Sadly, he doesn't do the same. He'll write for a few months, then disappear for 3, 4, 5 years... I'm used to it.
He has his reasons, which he thinks are good ones and sometimes I agree. But I don't think he can ever really, truly understand what it's like for a girl to never have someone to call "Daddy" - even when that little girl is 40 years old.

But enough of that..

This morning in church, we sang the song above. I cried and cried... not really tears of sadness, though maybe a little. But more tears of happiness, because I DO have a Father. One that is more than any earthly father could ever be. It took many, many years to realize that.

My heavenly father will NEVER leave me.
He will NEVER walk away and not tell me how to reach Him.
He does see every tear I cry, and knows why.
He answers EVERY time I call Him.
I can speak to Him every single day, all day long.
He's never too busy, or too far away, or too wrapped up in his addictions...
He's my Creator, my Counsellor, my Comforter,
my Light, my Life, my Lord,
my Redeemer, my Rock,
my Savior,
my Abba Father.

Thankful Thursday

Things I am thankful for today:

(in no particular order)

Good coffee

My amazing daughter

That my 2nd child is graduating this Saturday
(glad he made it! sad for this mama that he's grown up so fast)

My home and all the blessings within it that I take for granted: water, clothing, food, A/C, etc

Special friends that never disappear, even when they aren't present

God's presence & Grace ~ for us who certainly don't deserve it.

Kyrie Eleison
Down the road that I must travel
Kyrie Eleison
Through the darkness of the night
Kyrie Eleison
Where I'm going will you follow
Kyrie Eleison
On a highway in the light

Wordless Wednesday

My brother, James, and his son Titus.
James is currently serving in Iraq on his 5th tour in 6 years.
If you think about it, say a prayer for him now & then.
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