In Other News...

Last weekend, we discovered that my keys were lost.

I did what every Christian woman I know would do.

I prayed and prayed that God would help me find them.

Then I blamed my husband.

What??? He was the one that used them last!

We looked everywhere. EVERYWHERE. But oddly enough, I had this "niggling" feeling that they were in my car. I looked all over the car, but did not find them. In fact, it wouldn't be at all strange to find a set of keys to our car ... IN the car, because my husband has a strange and very BAD habit of leaving his keys in the console or under the seat. In fact, he's been known to leave his wallet, phone, well -- you get the picture.

Warning to all car thieves reading my blog: I'm coming after you if any of my vehicles mysteriously disappear. Got it?!?

Anyway -- I kept praying over these keys, because we only had one other set, and shockingly, it was NOT attached to one of those convenient push-buttony-unlocky-thingies, and being that I am a pampered and highly posh princess ... I NEED my push-buttony-unlocky-thing. Especially when the only key-hole to unlock my entire vehicle is located on the drivers side. Very inconvenient if you're trying to get a squirmy hyperactive two-and-a-half-year-old in the car on the PASSENGER side ... you know ... the squirmy hyperactive two-and-a-half-year-old who's sole purpose in life is to escape his mommy's grasp in a busy parking lot when she has 500 grocery bags in her hands. Yeah. That one.

So on Wednesday, I made plans to have lunch with my girlfriend at work on Thursday. She had asked me if I would drive, and I happily agreed. So yesterday morning (Thursday), on my way to work, I began to worry about how long it would take me to unlock the door for her if it was raining, or how embarrassing it was that I actually had to ... you know ... put the key in the key hole to unlock a car (it is, after all, the twenty first century). Then, my eyes fell upon various loose napkins, an envelope, a pen, a book, an umbrella, and heaven's knows what else was resting on the floor board of my front passenger seat.

I know. It's all so confusing, but stay with me. There IS an ending. Promise.

I quickly realized that I had to clean the front seat up a bit if I expected my friend to think I had some semblance of order in my life. And so, I bent over from the drivers side to try and pick everything up, which really, is the lazy man's way of cleaning the floor board all the way over on the passenger's side of the car... but anyway, I just couldn't reach the last napkin that was wedged all the way up front under the air thingie, so I grabbed the umbrella to reach for it and pull it towards me.

Guess what fell out of my umbrella?

That's right. My keys. That my husband lost. Because he was the last one to use them. In my umbrella.

So see? I was right! They WERE in my car.

But seriously -- God cares about the things in our lives that may seem very trivial. If we are concerned about something, then it is important to him. Our Father in heaven knows our needs. He's awesome like that!! But, he just doesn't want us to worry about ... stuff.

In other news... the youth in our church are having a yardsale tomorrow -- I purchased two tables (which is odd to do, when I'm trying to MAKE money but it is, after all, a fundraiser). I haven't priced anything. I think I'll be selling all the clothing and shoes at $1 per item, but I'm pricing my equipment at half of what I paid for it, and if they don't sell, I'm taking them home and listing them on CraigsList. End of discussion. (For now.) It's supposed to be 97 degrees tomorrow, and the heat index will make it feel like 105-107 degrees. Joy. AND ... my face is really puffy today. Just thought you might want to know.

Now, I really need to get busy ... I've got things to do at work... and lots of stuff to do at home ... especially since I now have to get busy preparing myself for a Nuclear War that is said to begin next Thursday, and I'll also need to figure out what to do about the Global Warming that is being caused by S+Ds. Be informed.

I'm just saying.

Craaay-zeee.

"So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:34 (NLT)

Be a Little Jesus...

This past week ... really past few weeks ... has been a bit quiet here at Kisses of Sunshine. There have been numerous posts around the blogosphere that have really tugged at my heart and mind, and have left me in deep thought and prayer as to what my ministry at my own church should be. I thought I'd share with you some of the things that I've been thinking and praying about, because as I have silently read various blogs over the past few weeks (especially comments that women have left), I find that many women are in the same boat as I am. Struggling to find your place in ministry.

When I first became a Christian, I was a teenager, and I became very involved in my youth ministry and the youth leadership. I have fond memories of leading worship or devotions for the youth. I was also a part of the worship team in our church. As I graduated from High School, I began attending church at my husband-then-boy-friend's church, and began teaching middle-school youth Sunday School.

As the years progressed, and my ministries changed, they always focused around the same type of things: children, pre-youth, youth, and women. As the concentration of the children in our church began moving into middle school, the Pastor approached my husband and another friend in our church and asked if they would start a youth ministry. They each committed two years towards starting the youth ministry. I became a youth worker -- not leader, just a worker supporting my husband ... but soon after, it became clear that my husband did not feel called to youth ministry, and after his two years ended, I strongly felt God calling me into the ministry.

The other youth leader and myself were commissioned as youth pastors -- he for the middle school youth, and I was for the senior high youth. To be honest, I felt totally intimidated by the youth, and thought for sure that I wouldn't be accepted. After all, they were all athletic, and I was ... well ... NOT. But they embraced me with open arms, as did the parents, and I fell in love with a ministry I never, ever dreamed I would be called into. We developed relationships I cherish to this day.

Six years later, I found myself in a place in life where I new I had to step down. We were starting our first IUI cycles for infertility, and I felt as though all my attention had shifted and was keenly focused on starting a family of our own. I felt God calling me to step down from the responsibilities of Youth Ministry and pastoring the kids, but I slipped into leading the Children's Ministry for a short time, because they had no one to fill those shoes. At the same time, our church brought in a new Pastor and his family. I found that I was stepping out of ministry all together as he was beginning his new ministry at our church, and it saddened me, but it was also the time when Hunter was born, and my attentions needed to be focused elsewhere.

For two and a half years, I have focused on my family. It has been a bit of a relief to not have to juggle my time between a ministry and my family. I have still remained active in church (that will never change), and have helped plan functions such as retreats and celebrations, but haven't had a ministry outside of my family that I could embrace, pull close to my heart, and pour my energies and prayer into. For the most part, I can honestly say that I have felt content and am confident that I have been where God and my husband wanted me to be... but now -- now, I feel God calling me into ministry again. I just am not sure as to what it is.

I do have some ideas in my heart and mind ... and that alone adds a new sense of excitement to my emotions that are whirling around in my brain. Over the years, I have learned many valuable lessons about ministry. The first and most important lesson is: Be where God calls you to be because if you don't, you won't be happy and your ministry will suffer.

The next one would be: Don't spread yourself across the board (1 Corinthians 12). Only focus in on the ministry you're called into, and hone it. Perfect it. Give it your best and never any less. This was a hard lesson for me, because I am a member of a small church where a small group of people are the ones that step up to the plate time and time again. Also, I love to be involved... overly involved. And I hate to see anything (as in - other ministries) fail because I want our church to be successful. I want it to grow. I want it to be a beautiful place for many, many people -- a place where they can fall into and find comfort, love, support, healing. But over the years, I've learned that ministries are not successful when you only give a part of yourself, that's why it is important to not spread yourself thin with numerous ministries. We all need to play roles in building the church and developing healthy ministries -- we are all dependent on each other, and when one ministry is successful, the other ministries celebrate along side them.

The final one -- well, not final, but for the purpose of this post we'll call it the final lesson I've learned -- is that we shouldn't make a decision about ministry without prayer -- and a lot of it. I also think it is important to discuss your thoughts with someone else -- definitely your spouse, but also someone else -- possibly someone that you consider wiser than you.

Since I have brought some ideas to my pastor for his thoughts, and since I haven't even discussed all my thoughts and feelings with my husband, whom I look to for spiritual wisdom, I don't feel as though I can discuss what's going on in my mind with regards to where I feel like God is calling me specifically. But there will come a moment where I will share my excitement with you.

In the mean time, I'd like to point you to several other ladies who know where God wants them to be, and are pouring their hearts into their ministries. Donnetta, Sandy, and Amy, to name three. They have each written posts that have left me thinking, praying, and doing some soul searching, and I encourage you to read them:

Sandy wrote: Combat Loneliness, where she encouraged us to open our doors to the lonely. Sandy's focus is opening her home to people and offering hospitality as a gift to them. She also wrote: I Found My Niche where she highlights an email from a reader that has been moved into action with regards to a ministry in her own home. By the way, Sandy's entire blog is focused on hospitality and entertaining, and offering encouragement to the one who feels discouraged about entertaining. You should check it out.

Donnetta wrote: I Almost Missed It, where she highlights one of her many ministries... she opens her home to a group of moms that need "adult time" with no agenda -- just a time where the women can get together, chat about jobs, kids, family, etc.

Amy wrote: We Don’t Need No Stinking Pulpit -- She describes her own quiet ministry to the children of their neighborhood, and gives you tips on how you can start one also. She also gives some tips on how you can help out someone who already has this ministry.

Often times, when I talk to people about being involved in ministry, they freak. They think they aren't equipped, they don't know the Bible well enough (ummmm ... that COULD CHANGE!), they can't do it, and surely God couldn't be calling THEM into ministry. But you can do it, and God DOES call YOU into ministry. The examples that each of the ladies above shared were simple. One was as simple as opening her home to the neighborhood children; another was opening her home to moms who need some adult time; and the third was opening her home to other people, providing meals and hospitality to them. While those are just a few ideas of how God can use you ... YES, YOU ... they all have two common threads -- opening your home and hearts!! So simple!

And trust me ... you don't need to be a great spiritual leader to open your home up to a hand full of people and serve them a great meal. You don't need to be a great spiritual leader to provide a safe and comforting place for kids to play. You don't need to be a great spiritual leader to open your home to moms that need a child-free breather to chat or pray.

You just need to know Jesus, and in turn, be a little Jesus to others. That's all.

Are your lungs expanding with God's praise?

OOOOHHH MY GOODNESS -- I wanted to share something soooooo exciting with you -(at least it is very exciting for me!) - I am just BESIDE myself in praise to our almighty God, and I need to share it with you all or I think my lungs will burst. I don’t even know how to make this short... so here it goes.

As you all know, I am very open about our personal battle with infertility. I feel that God has called me to share my story so that at some point in time, I can help or encourage someone else… and glory to God, he has sent many, many women my way with questions, or women who are just looking for encouragement.

Back in December ’07, I received an email from a sweet woman who was struggling with secondary infertility, has had two ectopic pregnancies, a baby who had recently passed away in-utero at 7 months, and a new diagnosis of something called MTHFR As she went in search of information on this diagnosis, she came across my first blog called Infertile Meanderings, and was able to find some of the information she was looking for. She emailed me to tell me this, and to tell me that she had begun taking the cocktail of vitamins that I had been taking (and still do) for MTHFR.

I was able to share with her how my faith had been tested greatly throughout the past 12-15 years, but I have learned that the only way to get through such cavernous pain and loss is to lean on Christ and seek him for peace that only he gives. There are many questions that I have ... all the "whys" and "what ifs" -- but I'm convinced that I will never know the answers until I meet Christ face to face. And I've learned to be okay with that. It was a long process to get to that point, but eventually, you do

Like I shared with this sweet woman, not only she, but YOU can be blessed by God. Of THAT I'm confident. I'm not sure what form that blessing will take, but just remember that you are resting in the palm of his hand. It's okay to be angry. It's okay to yell out loud and question God. It's okay to cry your heart out. Just remember to turn to him for comfort.

I didn't hear from her after that... until yesterday, and her email was the best thing I've read in a while...

Last Friday she found out that she is once again pregnant.

Isn't that AMAZING?! God is so good.

How was God involved? Here’s what she said...

"So let me just share how God has been working this out for a long while. In February, the hematologist said that he wanted me to go see a fetal/maternal specialist to see if he could help me get pregnant sooner. There was 6 years between my last pregnancy and the baby that passed away so we were a little wary of another six years going by. The earliest the specialist could see me was yesterday, April 15. I was already pregnant by the time I got there!! He did prescribe a few special tests though so it worked out well. I am too early to see anything significant on ultrasound but yesterday my regular OB checked anyway and we saw that it wasn't another ectopic pregnancy and there was the tiniest little beginnings of a gestational sac. So praise God, all looks well. Mentally, I’m doing well. The last pregnancy I was so afraid and I worried constantly. I promised God that if he blessed us again that I would not worry. I would trust and walk in faith. I am so peaceful because of it. I do have my minutes of sheer panic but for the most part I’m just terribly ecstatic."

Would you venture to agree with me when I say... God is good ALL THE TIME, and ALL THE TIME, God is GOOD!!!

So, why am I sharing all this? Because my lungs are expanding with his praise ... and I want to spread the word that God is TOTALLY in the business of miracles and wonders, and all praise is due him! Be encouraged!

"I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. I live and breathe God; if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy: Join me in spreading the news; together let's get the word out. God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see-how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness."

"Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath."

Psalm 34:1-10, 17-18 (in the Message version)

Get Service...

My sweet friend, Lauren -- founder of, and author at Blogged In News and Networking shared a really cool video today.

Edited to add: Speaking of Blogged in News and Networking... one of my posts was featured today! What an honor!

Anyway, the video made me think about how rushed I can get, how I look at other people (obviously), and the labels I place on them -- which aren't always accurate. I may label someone as "obnoxiously self involved" when really, their label should read "I need someone to love me." Wow! This totally challenges me on how I can serve others. How do your eyes see people? Thanks, Lauren, for giving me something to think about...



Get it??

Comments... and such

A week of Gentleness:

Post 1 -- Post 2 -- Post 3 -- Post 4

As we reflected this past week on being gentle, several of you have left some really good comments that I wanted to highlight.

Christine from Serenity How? said:

"As Christians, we really need to hold OURSELVES to a higher standard,

not just other Christians."

GiBee's Take: Absolutely! In the grand scheme of things... I'm held accountable for MY actions. Further, how can I be a witness if my own standards aren't patterned after Jesus' standards? Great comment, Christine!

Susanne from Living to tell the Story said:

"In this blog world it is way too easy to let ungentleness and unkindness surface under a measure of anonymity."

GiBee's Take: Well said, Susanne! It's so true -- there is a certain "veil of anonymity" in the blogosphere that gives us a sense of security and a level of comfort which allows us (including me!) to take too many liberties. I guess when we sit down to pound out a post, or to leave a comment, we should keep this in mind -- Jesus saying: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35

Koryn from Mother's Precious Gems said:

"I am a mom of four teenagers. All born in five years time! Now, those were some very stressful 10 years! I look back with a bit of sadness as I remember yelling a lot and screaming and being grumpy many many times. God brought a lovely neighbor into the duplex we lived in who had three small children but was always so kind and loving and warm towards her kids. That great example showed me that I was certainly not being the kind of mommy He would have me to be. The tongue, who can tame it? God can! It is so destructful. But it can also be the greatest blessing. Now, these teen years are such a sweet time with our kids and they are proud to say they have a home free of fights and yelling.

Thankfully I do not think they remember the type of mom I was when they were little."

GiBee's Take: Words of wisdom, Koryn! How true, that our tongue can be so destructive! I appreciate that she pointed out that while at one time she was convicted of not being the mommy God would have had her be (with respects to how she spoke to her kids), she took steps to change that, and now, her kids are ... "proud to say they have a home free of fights and yelling." That's AWESOME! Imagine the stress that raised voices causes our kids? I've noticed even with Hunter that if Dan and I are having a disagreement and raise our voices, it aggravates him (Hunter) and he begins to say, "Mommy, Daddy, Mommy, Daddy" as if to say: "Cool it you two!" So, don't wait until your kids are older... start speaking gently now! Food to think about, Koryn!

Another thought: Koryn mentioned to me the fact that her kids don't remember the mom she was when they were little. Praise God that he has cleared their memories and they will grow up remembering her great, patient, kind and gentle mothering skills! God is so good! He is in the work of restoration!!!

My sweet Real-time friend, LvlyRita from Good Things said:

"Even when discussing our husbands with our friends, I try to keep it as funny stories, not complaints or whining gossip.

Hmm, is it possible to gossip about our husbands?"

GiBee's Take: What, are you CRAZY? Of COURSE it's okay for us to talk bad and complain about our husbands! Oh, I'm KIDDING... I can't even pull that off as a joke.

She is so, SO right... it IS possible to gossip about our husbands, and that only serves to break our trust-relationship we have built. I appreciate the fact that she pointed out that when talking about her husband, she tries to keep it to generic funny stories, and tries not to complain or whine and gossip about him. One thing to know about Rita -- her husband is an Associate Pastor at our church -- they are both actively involved in our worship ministry. Talk about putting pressure on a relationship! They are being watched by everyone in our church, and that alone puts added strain on daily life... but think about this lovely gift she has offered her husband ... one we can ALL offer our husbands -- to give them the sense of security and let the know that they can place their trust in us, and... KNOW that we will never bash them in public! Ladies, please -- always, always uphold your husband. Always talk good about him. Even if there is a ton of bad stuff -- don't share it! Go by the old adage... if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Yes, I know there are times when you may be frustrated, exasperated, and want to rip him a new one (ummmm, lovingly and gently, that is). But -- instead of bad mouthing him, might I suggest taking him to the Lord in prayer? Yup -- PRAY for him. Then, pray for yourself that God will soften your heart towards him and help you be a cheerful, loving, gentle and supportive wife, no matter what. I know it sounds so "old fashioned" but, it works! Besides, I don't know about you, but I think I've said this before -- when I hear a woman bad mouthing her husband, two things happen: first, I feel sorry for the husband; second, I find that I shy away from friendships like that, because if she's bad mouthing her husband, she'll bad mouth me. Harsh? Maybe. Safe? Yes. Thanks for your great insight, LvlyRita!

I hope you all did well being gentle last week, and I pray you continue on through this week. I know I had a few trying bumps over the weekend, but my husband would sweetly remind me... "be gentle, honey." remember: It takes about two weeks to form a habit, so don't stop now!

Gently Chatting... and other stuff

How has your week of gentleness gone? Any testimonies you want to share in the comment section? Tomorrow, I'll try to get a moment to highlight a great and powerful comment Koryn from Mother's Precious Gems (I think that's the right link) left in one of my posts this past week about being gentle to your kids.

Okay -- so last night, my husband and I lay in bed... he was surfing the internet, checking out all his cool little fishing spots (he calls them forums... I call them glorified blogs). I was just chilling out, enjoying the quietness (except for Hunter crying out "MommyDaddyMommy!" from his room every 2 minutes). The TV was off, and it was relatively quiet.... and once Hunter actually fell asleep, my husband turned off the computer, and all the lights. We just lay there chit-chatting for a good long time about various things going on. Then we said good night, and I rolled over to go to sleep. He reached out and touched my shoulder and told me he enjoyed the time we had to just chat.

Wow. At first, I though he was being sarcastic, and I got all defensive (that happens a lot with me!) but he reassured me that he was being sincere in his comment. It left me thinking... we all need to make time to chat with our spouses.

Just chat.

That's all.

Just the two of you.

No competition from kids, TVs, phones, computers, or anything else.

It's so simple, that it's silly, isn't it?

Seriously -- when I mentioned on my post yesterday that we (me and my husband) get so consumed in the day's BUSY-ness, I really meant it. We miss out on sweet moments of down time with each other, as in -- just the two of us -- and we forget what "chatting" is all about! It was so nice. No TV, no computer, no lights. Just gently chatting with each other.

On another note, I have a real problem with my tongue and my attitude. Oh, and my patience level -- can't forget that one. If I'm not careful, it can really affect my gentleness with my husband, or with Hunter. I know. You're shocked. Me too. But I wanted to get real with you, because blogs can sometimes leave the impression that the author is perfect, and their home is all rosy and cheery, and ... well ... perfect. But trust me when I say, Casa Sunshine is far from perfection, and so am I!!

Anyway -- the problem is, when I'm feeling excessively tired, emotional, stressed, or out of sorts (which shockingly seems to be almost every single day lately), I tend to respond to my husband in snippy, snide, impatient, and at times, explosive ways. I HATE it when he or anyone else does that to me, so what should make me think he particularly enjoys it when I respond to him like that? See?? Like I've said before, I am FAR from an expert when it comes to marriages -- that's just further proof. Proof that I have a lot to work on.

Yes, I feel as though my husband and I have a great relationship, with a lot of love and mutual respect. And, yes, we bicker and argue (because one of us [ehem -- that would be me] has a terrible need to be right all the time), but in the end, we love each other dearly. We do treat each other tenderly and gently, but there is always room for work in any marriage, and it seems to me that right when I'm feeling "comfortable," and like everything is just falling into place and clicking together like clock work in our relationship, BLAM. The enemy slams us with something that causes disharmony in our relationship. And sadly, it's usually when I'm feeling excessively tired, emotional, stressed, or out of sorts. I need to overcome my weakness in reacting with my emotions, and begin reacting with my mind and the spiritual strengths I know I have.

Speaking of spiritual strengths... one of my own personal goals that I carry in my heart (which NOW, the cat is out of the bag, and my husband will know), is that I want to always encourage my husband and help him to be spiritually set on fire... which, as anyone who has been married in like -- forever -- will agree that after a while, the spark can fizzle out! But I can reignite it! And so can you. How? By maintaining my own spiritual fire... and maintaining and growing my own relationship with the Lord. Then... I can work on my husband's spiritual fire by praying for him and simply encouraging him.

I can NOT change or strengthen my husband's spiritual fire with my own strength, resources or powers... just like YOU can't change your husband, either. But God can, and if I place him in God's hands daily, God will change him. Then, he'll begin to see my own enthusiasm and feed off of it. I've done it and I've seen it happen!! Nagging wont change his spiritual growth (trust me on that one girls ... been there, done that). "Discreet suggestions" wont change his spiritual growth. Forcing his hand wont change his spiritual growth. Prayer will. And just so that the men that are reading this know... it works both ways. You can do the same in your relationship with your wife!

Yeah -- off my soap box now. Chances are, after all my posts this week, the enemy will attack our little family this weekend and I'll be eating all of my words... again.

On a side note... can I get your-all's (technical word) opinion on something?

It really bothers me when I see a disrespectful, demeaning, wife (who is a Christian and in a Christian relationship) mow all over her husband, whether in public or in their home, and/or tear their husband down. It also bothers me when they remove the "spiritual head of the household" title from their husband by micro-managing everything in their homes and not allowing their husband to be in charge of anything (whether he does it well or not). It also bothers me when the same Christian wives will say that it's just the way they are, like it or leave it...

It almost leaves me feeling like they are "cutting God's feet off" -- yeah, I know that sounds weird, but if as a Christian, we're called to pattern our lives after Christ... to change our attitudes and behaviors that are not Christ-like by allowing the Holy Spirit to clean our house -- but instead say "that's just the way I am, like it or leave it" -- it feels like we're saying, "God, that's just the way I am, and I don't want you to have control of my life" or possibly, "God, that's just the way I am, and you or anyone else can't do anything about it"-- in essence, cutting God's feet off -- rejecting the gifts the Holy Spirit has waiting for us -- rejecting the beautiful person God can form us to be!

I know it took me a good 7-8 years of marriage before I took that same attitude and threw it out the spiritual window and let God in to clean house. And even now, after 18 years of marriage (in June), I'm still finding that I have to let God in to clean house! Yes, it may be for different attitudes or yuckiness than when we first got married, but I find it's a constant, and evolving process that has to be turned over completely to God. And it's not just in a marriage either. It's in our daily lives and attitudes that I find we need constant spiritual re-adjusting and fine tuning

Does that make any sense? What are your thoughts on that?

Being Gentle ... with your SPOUSE!

I'm not even going to pretend that I'm an expert. In fact, I have so much room to grow in this area, it isn't even funny. I am, however, going to encourage you to finish off the week by speaking gently to your spouse.

I honestly feel that one of the most common problems in marriages (please note I said "one of"), mine included, is communication. We're often frantically rushing around, shuttling kids around, working full time, gliding in and out of the house at all hours of the day, multi-tasking chores, homework, dinner, dishes ... that we rarely find time to sit down with each other and fully and lovingly communicate what is on our hearts and minds. Because of this craziness, I believe that we tend to speak to our spouses more gruffly, hurriedly, and lacking in gentleness than what we may have intended to. In my own home, I've noticed that many conflicts within our relationship tend to be "further intensified" by our lack of gentleness in innocent responses.

It doesn't matter how deteriorated your marriage may be at this point ... if you are Christian, there is NO PLACE in your relationship for being mean, bad-tempered, angry, quarrelsome, or harsh. Especially if you feel your spouse is being that way ... two wrongs do NOT make a right! I have a friend who is very gruff with her husband and often calls him "butt head" or "stupid." I cringe every time I hear that. It is cruel, and it is demeaning. But after 20-some years of marriage, it has become accetable. WHAT? Never. Ever. should that be acceptable. It is not encouraging, uplifting, or gentle!

Instead, try to be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving, kind, calm, gracious and gentle. Not only will it keep the lines of communication open, but it will encourage your spouse, leave them feeling valued, and over time, encourage change and growth in both of you. My mom and dad always said... soft, kind and gentle words will always pour cold water on the burning coals of a stirred-up discussion or heart, but harsh words only add fuel to the fire. In fact ... it's Biblical!

So if you have a great relationship with your spouse... Praise God! Continue being gentle to each other. If you are at a point in your relationship where you are struggling with each other, try changing tactics a bit and throw in some kindness. I'm not guaranteeing that your relationship will magically become perfect, but it will go a long way to break down walls that have been built.

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

A Week of Gentleness -- Starting with our Kids

Wow -- you all have left such great comments on my post yesterday about Gentleness in the blogsphere ... in fact ... all over the place.

Michele from Homeschool Housewife made an excellent point that I'd like to focus on today:

"I think that the hardest thing for me is to stay calm, stay kind, keep looking for joy in life if those around me are grumpy and critical. But I also notice that when I am stressed out and grumpy and critical, the tone of voice my children use is worse."

If I understand her comment correctly ... meaning that when we get grumpy, or critical, and when the tone in our voice changes, so does our children's tone of voice.

I can totally relate. I have long been a proponent of speaking gently to our children. Even before I had a child, I would try to encourage moms around me to speak gently to their children. That is... until I had my own willful, determined child (I've been told that John the Baptist was quite willful, determined, and a difficult child so there is hope). He has challenged every belief I have about speaking gently to children, and he may have broken me on more occasions than I care to admit. But my husband made a wise observation recently...

He noticed that when we raise our voices at Hunter or speak harshly to him, Hunter reacts in much the same way. Did you catch that? Hunter reacts in much the same way. Literally, he screams back at us and gets overly excited. I know -- we're rocket scientists.

Is that how I want my child to become accustomed to interacting with others? Do I want my child to remember me as a screaming, neurotic momma? No. In fact, I don't think any parent wants that. If my assumption is correct, I think that most parents want their children to grow up being able to handle stressful situations in a calm manner, with all their faculties in order (unlike how I tend to react on a daily basis). But you know what? Children learn from example. They learn from the people that interact with them day in and day out. As parents, we are the ones that "set the bar" for their expected behavior. Not only are they observing how we treat them, but they are also observing and learning from how we treat our spouse (more on that later on in the week)! If we loose our tempers easily and frequently with our spouses, and we interact in an un-gentle manner with each other, they pick up on that!

I think it would be a fair statement to say the gentleness is a form of loving someone, and when we speak harshly, aggressively, or when we are critical or cruel, we are not acting in a loving or gentle manner. When we treat others with gentleness, it shows them that we value and respect them, and shows them that we care enough to control ourselves and our reactions. I'll be the first one to admit that I am not always gentle with either my child or my husband. It is something I will have to work on daily.

Having said that, will it be easy for me to change the bad habits I've established? No way... It's going to be difficult for me to begin speaking to them gently (read: with a sane head, not excited, not yelling, and not hyperventilating -- in other words, with my faculties in order). Is it possible? Absolutely. If I have turned control of my life over to the Holy Spirit, all things are possible. In fact, it is one of the gifts of the Spirit... and it takes incredible, and true humility to acquire it.

Consider this scripture:

"What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?" 1 Corinthians 4:21 (NIV)

Check it out in The Message translation...

"So how should I prepare to come to you? As a severe disciplinarian who makes you toe the mark? Or as a good friend and counselor who wants to share heart-to-heart with you? You decide." 1 Corinthians 4:21 (The Message)

Ouch! Paul, Paul, Paul ... He was dealing with difficult people. He loved them, but he knew they needed discipline --- not unlike us with our children. Do we go to our children and correct them in a gentle and loving spirit or do we crack the whip?. Is it beneficial to speak gently to our family? You bet. I'm convinced that if I do, my child will learn that he is valued as a human being and that I love him beyond measure; he will learn how to interact with others in a kind and gentle manner; and he will learn critical communication skills that will benefit him as he gets older.

Is it to late to start? No... it's never to late to start. Try it out this week and see what happens.

Now... does anyone have any ideas on how I can capture Hunter's attention in a gentle manner before he unlocks and opens the front door and runs out into the street? Again???


Updated to add -- A bit of business: if you are a blogger who has at least 50 unique visitors a month, you can claim your FREE copy of Empty and Beautiful by Matt Maher right here -- but you need to hurry because there are only 100 free copies available!

Gentleness -- the way I see it...

You may have noticed that I've had a little "dress change" here at Kisses of Sunshine. And one thing I added was a blurb and a scripture at the bottom of my blog claiming that "This blog is a joyful and gentle zone."

I think one of the reasons I added that is because I get tired of surfing around different blogs and seeing fellow believers bash each other, as well as non believers. In fact, in one blog which was devoted to Bible study, I even saw one commenter "called out" into public and her (or his?) comment was open to all for their dissection and criticism. I can't begin to tell you how much this saddens me. Is stuff like that necessary? Are we sooooo addicted to hearing ourselves that we have to call others out? Or is it that we think we are the authority in all things, and feel we need to set others straight? WHAT IS IT? I just don't get it!

Folks, I hope I speak for the entire body of Christ when I say ... as Christians we are called to be "Christ-like," manifesting (displaying) the qualities or spirit of Jesus. Yes, I know that Jesus did show righteous anger... and I know he wasn't a pansy, but what we mostly see, time and time again, is his gentleness.

One of my favorite stories in the New-Testament is of the Adulteress who was presented in front of Jesus for judgment after having been caught in the act of adultery. The teachers of the law, and the Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus, and demanded that Jesus decide what become of her. This woman -- a sinner -- was dragged out by men, and placed in front of men to be judged.

If I place myself in her shoes, I can imagine her being frightened to death, with the very fear of her "final judgment of death" itself looming over her head. I'm sure she was trying to pull every scrap of fabric around her that she could... trying to cover her shame in more ways than one. Men around her were gathering stones in their hands, demanding a stoning for her sins... and gently, and quietly, Jesus said: "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." I can't even imagine the fear she must have been feeling at that very moment, expecting stones to come hurling at her and begin tearing her flesh.

But one by one, the men began dropping their stones and walking away. If I were her, I'm certain that I may not have even noticed them, because I would have been in a heap, covering my head, and weeping, begging for mercy. I can only imagine the tension that was building -- but suddenly, Jesus said to her: "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" To which she replies: "No one, sir."

And Jesus said: "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin."

Just like that. He spoke to her with gentleness. With love, and with grace he told her that she wasn't being judged, and told her to go and leave her life of sin. He didn't ridicule her, he didn't bash her, he didn't belittle her. He just pointed her in the right direction.

Friends, reality is... we all sin. We all fall short of the glory of God. Without his sacrifice, grace and mercy, we would never be worthy of forgiveness. Without each other's support, we would often find ourselves discouraged, beaten down, and left to feel worthless. The reality is... I'm no better than anyone else, therefore, who am I to judge? Who are you to judge?

In Philippians 4:4-5, Paul exhorts us to "rejoice and to let our gentleness be evident to all." In Titus 3:2, Paul instructs Titus to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, and to show true humble gentleness toward everyone. In 1 Peter 3:15, we are told to be prepared to answer everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope we have "with gentleness and respect."

Time and time again, Jesus showed true gentleness in the midst of conflict. If we are to pattern ourselves to be "Christ-like" than sisters (and brothers), we need to watch how we respond to people. The old "take me as I am, or don't take me at all" phrase just isn't a good enough excuse for us to speak first and think second. It shouldn't fly with your spouse, it shouldn't fly with your best friend, it shouldn't fly with your church friends, and trust me when I say... it doesn't fly with Jesus, because he has given us the power to change!

Now, I'm not saying I'm perfect. Heaven's no. Remember ... when I point one finger at you... I have 4 pointing right back at me! In fact there are many times I stumble, and find myself saying things I wish I could take back. So, this week, I challenge each of you (including myself) to go out of your way this week to be gentle. Be gentle with the gruff grocery store clerk. Be gentle with the harsh blog commenter. Be gentle (yeow!) with your trying children and spouse (can someone shout out a prayer for me?). Be gentle with your pesky neighbor. Be gentle with me. And I'll be gentle with you. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life -- to bend you, to refine you, and to make you a more gentle person.

Think this might be too hard? Yes, you're right -- it will be hard, and the enemy will come at you in all directions. BUT... it isn't TOO hard. It's possible!! Go ahead and throw off the old "coat" you've been wearing, and spring into a new coat of gentleness and mercy on!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

What are your thoughts? I'd love to know what you think ... in fact, would you please come out of "lurkdom" to comment, if you could! I'd love to have an open discussion about this.

He is Risen!

I pray that each of you enjoy a glorious day with your family. Happy Resurrection Day!!

I love this song, and hope yoiu enjoy it too. I used to listen to 2nd Chapter of Acts sing it... remember them? Anyway, have a wonderful Easter day.



(If you think of it, will you please lift my family up in your prayers? We are all so sick, and it seems to have struck me hardest. I have a sinus infection, two mild ear infections and bronchitis. Just walking down the hall sends me back to bed exhausted. My husband has been struggling to care for Hunter all weekend, but is also wiped out with the flu. It isn't pretty. I missed Easter Service for the first time in 28 years of being a Christian. Thanks!)

Reality

Reality: He was beaten. He was disfigured. He was crushed.

Reality: He was crucified. Real nails. Real hammer. Real flesh. Real blood. Real pain.

Reality: There was nothing beautiful about this selfless act this man named Jesus did.

Reality: He did it for you. He did it for me. He did it out of sacrifice. He did it out of obedience. He did it for our sins.

Reality: He died for us so that we might have life everlasting.

Warning: The following video is very graphic. But while this is just a portrayal, it really did happen -- 2008 years ago. And nothing can change the fact that WE were the reason he suffered. WE were the reason that he gave up his life. HE is the reason we are forgiven of our sins. HE is the reason we can have life eternal.



The reality is, that without Christ in our lives, without his forgiveness, without the incomprehensible death that he experienced, we would not be able to reach God. He "crossed" that gap for us. And now, he stands quietly, calling you, knocking at the door of your heart, patiently waiting for you to answer.

If you don't know Jesus as your savior, won't you take a moment accept him into your life?

Overfamiliarity...

Recognize the word? Know the meaning? Does it apply to your life?

Check out my this video that my friend Wretched Sinner did, then come back here and let me know what you think... and leave him a little comment love, too!

As for reading blogs, commenting, or writing my own... I have been overwhelmingly swamped at work... but hopefully I will catch up soon! Besides... you can't miss me if I won't go away!

Numbness, revisited!

A friend of mine just started a new blog called Wretched Sinner, and I just love his second post... "Numbness". It really is excellent and thought provoking, while totally ringing that "true that" bell -- you know the one, dontcha? The one where you read something, and all the while, you're nodding your head, thinking: True That!

I loved the definition he used for numbness: Numbness, is the result of being desensitized; to become insensitive or callous. Heaven's sake!!! Do you know what callous means? No? Let me share: Emotionally hardened; unfeeling.

Wow! Emotionally hardened or unfeeling -- things we think would never happen to us ... just worldly people, right? Right? Not so right.

So many things that we are surrounded by truly cause our hearts and minds to become numb... whether you are a Christian or not! And when we become numb, we begin to tune out the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Check out this scripture:

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philipians 4:7-8

Wow! That really causes me to examine my life and think about the things that can cause numbness in my life... are they lovely? Are they true? Are they pure? Admirable? Praiseworthy? If not, then they will cause numbness in my life and I need to get rid of them. I went through this self-examination a while back, and decided that many television shows I watched, books and magazines I read, and radio stations I listened to (music styles, DJs, etc.) were NOT true, lovely, pure, admirable, or praiseworthy. I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to cut them out of my time, life, home. It wasn't easy, because I had become so attached to them, but I really prayed about it, and the Holy Spirit removed the desire for them from my heart. Even though the enemy tries to creep back in with an old desire for one of the things I've cut out, the Spirit is more powerful, and quelches that desire.

So, you might wonder ... did that indeed bring me peace and contentment? Yes, it really did. And I know that my heart and mind are guarded ...

I know, I know -- many of you think that it's "just TV," or "just a story," or "just some music, and that you're not really listening to the words or the message." But you know what? Peace and contentment is a result of a submissive relationship with God, and God was dealing with ME on removing those issues from MY life. I felt that I had to be submissive in this instance in order to find peace.

As a Christian, I have to train my mind and heart to act on deliberate reasoning, and make every effort to reason out how my actions (whether reading a book, watching a movie, listening to classic rock, etc...) will affect my life, enhance my life, or how it will shape my witness.

I like how my friend closed his post: "I pray you will examine yourself, examine where you have become numb. But it doesn't stop there. YOU must do something about it. Today's the day."

I too would encourage you to examine your heart and mind. Find the places that have become numb ... and if they aren't numb yet, but are simply on the verge of being numb, or are merely apathetic ... kick them aside. It is hard ... BUT ... you've got the power in you -- the Holy Spirit.

Go kick some numbness! And apathy!

Perspective

Friends, I am simply blown away at the perspective God has dropped smack dab in the middle of my lap. I can not put into words how it is I'm feeling, but I can say this... I'm drawn to tears at just about anything right now. It's not hormonal. It's not due to pain ... other than the pain in my heart as I read some of the blogs of the people in Uganda right now (if you can't read all of them, then please -- at least go to Shannon's).

I'm realizing more and more that Compassion Internationals goal was NOT ONLY to bless the people in Uganda by inviting a handful of "mere bloggers" ... moms at that ... to join them, but one of their goals was to use these bloggers to challenge us in such a profound way that we are rendered speechless to the point that we feel we must ACT, and ACT immediately.

Today, I was going to post a Meme, a You Tube clip, and whatever other random thing I could grab on to ... but honestly? I'm not up to it. God is really working in my heart right now, and I pray that he begin to prick yours, too.

By the way... I'm totally awed by a God that can use a mere mortal to prick our hearts so deeply. Think of the power that his own son possesses to do the very same? Wow!!! That's all I can say.

Please... I beg you ... if you haven't been following the group in Uganda I was referring to, I ask you to pop over and read some of their entries in their blogs, and look at some of the beautiful, heart wrenching, soul pricking pictures.

Then, come back here, and feel free to post your thoughts. I look forward to hearing how God is working in some of your hearts as well!

Shannon from Rocks in my Dryer: Link to her posts on the trip to Africa

Sophie from BooMama: Link to her posts on the trip to Africa

Anne from Flowerdust: Link to her posts on the trip to Africa

Shaun Groves: Link to his main "Shlog" (he doesn't have his posts with individual categories) and a link to his main category page (all his posts for Uganda can be found under "Compassion International Blogging Trip To Uganda 2008", or currently on the main page of his "Shlog."

Compassion International's Blog: List of Bloggers and others on the trip to Africa

Edited to add: It looks like all the links work now. Sorry about that.

Valentine's Day

There are so many things I could say to prove how fortunate I am as a wife, a friend, and a mother... especially on Valentine's day. And please know that my heart is true and sound when I say that I love my husband and son .. along with my lifestyle... more than anything in this world, and I wouldn't trade it for a moment.

But, I also know that there are many hurting people out there, across the world, who don't even have a fraction of what I've been blessed with... people who are hungry, sick, poor, empty both physically and spiritually, and they don't realize that there's really anything else out there than what they are surrounded by.

But there is. It's the love of Jesus.

It may not find them a better place to live ... right now ...
It may not find them immediate health ... right now ...
It may not find them with full bellies ... right now...
It may not give them wealth untold ... right now...

But trust me when I say, there is a world out there dying... dying to know of a man named Jesus who can save their souls, heal their emotional state of being, and fill their spiritual cavities to overflowing. And yes, it may be true that this man named Jesus won't make them rich, or give them full bellies, or line their pockets with money ... but He will give them everlasting life, mansions in heaven, perfect health ... riches that the likes of me or you could never share with them.

So please ... on this day of love ... as you take a moment to reminisce on how much you love your spouse, or your children, or your friends and family -- also take a moment to remember the many, MANY children, women and men in third-world countries who have nothing ... nothing but each other, and a small handful of men and women sharing the love of Jesus with them.

And then there's always me. And you. How can we become a part of their lives? How can we impact their little world in a big way? How can we make a difference?

Well, my friends Shannon (from Rocks in my Dryer) and Sophie (from BooMama) are doing that right now, along with Compassion International. They are in Uganda seeing and experiencing first hand things that you and I only read in papers, magazines, or see on TV and hear on the radio.

You can hop over to their blogs and read their experiences first hand, see heart touching pictures, and know that someone is making a difference, and there's a way that YOU can too...

So for Valentine's Day, I encourage you, and CHALLENGE you to think outside the box. Do something different with your sweet-ones. Why not sponsor a child instead of purchasing a box of chocolates, a dozen roses, or a fancy meal or weekend away... That's what my family is doing.

I'll close with a quote from Shaun Groves' blog (who is on the same trip with Shannon, Sophie, and others) that explains how sponsoring one child works to break a vicious cycle:

In Uganda, one of Compassion’s goals is to care for one child in every impoverished home. As that child’s needs are met the entire family is rescued.

The parents of a sponsored child are taught proper nutrition, given a skill they can earn money with, taught how to manage their money. They are educated in family planning so the family will not grow unless they want it to, and taught disease control so that HIV and other common illnesses are prevented. They are taught how to parent and are no longer alone: Every bit of Compassion’s care, in twenty-four countries, is administered by the local church which means that pastors and Christian social workers from Compassion visit every family regularly - in this case, at least once every month. Those visits build community, a network of support, and help then is always nearby.

[The one child sponsored] ... then helps her entire family by simply being sponsored. One sponsor isn’t just releasing one girl from poverty, but [her entire] family. They all thank God for that generous American. They read the letters that arrive from across the ocean.

One child released from poverty is saving [the entire family].

You can change a family right now. Sponsor a child through Compassion International.

"Whatever you do unto the least of these brothers,
you do unto me."
Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

Genuinely Abandon Yourself...

Sunday worship is so important to me. Not because I get to see all my friends, although... that's a plus. Simply because it refills to my spiritual gas tank (along with Wednesday evening Bible studies, and my daily devotions). Even when I'm feeling low, a good time of worship on Sunday morning, or any day for that matter, can truly wash my heart with joy, no matter how sad I am!

Let me share one experience I had this past weekend with you... I'm certain you will be as touched as I was. We sang a song in worship yesterday called "Yes, Lord" (You Tube video below). I love this song, and it even refers to one of my favorite scriptures that you can see on the banner of my blog: "...Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5b. Anyway, I was watching our friend and his son ("G") worshiping together to this song, and it touched my heart to the very core

His son is two, and he has downs syndrome. He is the most loving, adorable, sweet child (although he has quite a bit of "all-boy" in him, too). My friend had placed his son on his shoulders during worship. "G" speaks mostly with sign language, and when we sang "Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord, Yes, Yes, Lord..." he would sign it out by moving his adorable little chubby closed fist up and down, and raising his arms in worship. His smile was genuine, his heart was sincere, his eyes were glowing. He gets a genuine look of joy when his parents prompt him to "praise Jesus" -- he grins, and lifts his hands in the air (Praising Jesus is something both his parents have firmly rooted in his young and tender heart, as well as his siblings' hearts). My friend was doing the same hand motions along with his son, and both son and dad had beautiful smiles on their faces. Soon enough, several of us around them were doing the same hand motions to the song, and I was trying to teach them to Hunter.

What touched me the most was to truly see the innocence in the way they were worshiping God together. It brought to mind how God really ministers to me when I can let myself worship with total abandon and complete joy... as an innocent child does. It frees the soul, it renews the heart, and it invigorates the mind when you clear your thoughts and focus on the Lord through worship!

Have you ever noticed how sometimes we can be ever so stately and stoic, and ... well ... stuffy ... in worship? Many of us feel there is a "time and place" for certain behavior. In the sanctuary, you behave with dignity and respect. Why ... everyone knows that you're supposed to worship the Lord with some modicum of decorum. You certainly don't raise your hands, bounce around, and [GASP] clap in worship. AHEM!

[insert screeching record player sound here]

Is that really true? No... I don't think it is. It's funny, but many Christians are afraid to raise their hands and worship the Lord freely because we're afraid of what our friends might think of us... or because we feel silly, or self conscious. But, let me share one freeing thought with you: the more you trust and seek the Lord, the more he begins to free you from the worries of what others will think of you when you show your true and intimate feelings of worship to Him?

This thought ... this freeing, liberating thought ... goes a lot further than just encouraging you to raise your hands in congregational worship... Why, my husband and I have even been known to raise our hands in worship ... in the car, people! THE CAR! I'm sure the people driving around us on the highway think we're seriously cracked.

But think about it... there is such freedom in letting go of your inhibitions ... of letting go of yourself ... and of having a heart before God that is patterned after an innocent child. Even King David abandoned his inhibitions and danced before the Lord with genuine joy and enthusiasm (2 Samuel 6:14). He actively worshiped the Lord without any cares -- in fact, David chose to set his pride aside for God - and having done all that, God called him a man after His own heart. How awesome would it be for God to call you, or me a man or woman after His own heart? But despite all of our own inadequacies or inabilities to loose our inhibitions in the act of worship like David did, the fact still remains... not only are we created to worship, but we are also commanded to worship. (Psalm 150)

God doesn’t command us to praise Him because He needs us to "pump HIM up," but rather, because we need what praise can do for us!. When we praise and worship God ... it does something for us! Now, I'm not saying that you must dance in worship in order for it to be "true" worship, because there are all kinds of styles of worship that are true worship. I'm just trying to point out that many times, we become too consumed with ourselves to allow the free expression of our worship to our Lord -- in other words, if we're not "feeling it," we're not "doing it." It's easy to praise and worship the Lord when we've been blessed, or when we're happy... it's much harder to do it when we're not... but whether you're happy or sad, the reward is the same... God comes down and meets us where we are, and fellowships with us. He lifts our spirits. He renews us. He cares for us. He feeds us. He refreshes us. He holds us. He invigorates us.

Trust me when I say... Little "G" hasn't learned yet how seriously adults judge each other. And better yet, "G" isn't concerned with what society thinks is appropriate behavior for worship... I guarantee you that!

It causes me to think about a game I play with my son. I place my finger on my mouth, and pat it on my mouth while I say "hmmmmm..." pretending like I'm thinking, all the while, getting closer, and closer, and closer yet to him. Finally, I grab him and tickle him until he is squealing in delight, jumping around, wriggling, and laughing. I hug him, kiss him, squeeze him in all his ticklish spots, and roll around with him. Trust me when I say ... he is not thinking about what mommy is going to think is appropriate behavior at that very moment in time! He just knows that I'm loving on him, and he's reacting genuinely to that.

Now, picture God just loving on you, ministering to you through music... wrapping his arms around you, throwing you up in the air, and showing you how much he loves you. Would you respond to Him in a reserved fashion? I hope not. I hope you would throw your arms in the air and run to him like a child free of any pretenses... jumping in his arms and allowing him to twirl you around and around. After all ... Jesus challenged us to change and become like little children and NOT be frightened of being passionate!

Trust me when I say ... when you throw yourself into worship with a child-like attitude... not caring what those around you think of you're actions or how you look ... Jesus WILL MEET YOU, and he WILL FREE you, and he WILL BLESS you.

I invite you to throw caution to the wind this Sunday... whether you worship in a traditional church with a choir and quiet hymns played on a piano or organ (or both), or in a church that sings a cappella (no music, just voices), or in a church with a full band, or a full symphony, or maybe just a guitar or a violin ... free yourself to worship recklessly -- raise your arms, shout out amen, whatever your heart desires... conquer that quiet voice in your mind telling you how silly you'll look or sound, and loose yourself in the presence of the Lord. Pull out your childish personality and worship passionately! Just don't do it in only a linen ephod --- please worship fully clothed!

"And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3

Thanks to Sue at Praise & Coffee who reminded me of this in her Monday post, because ironically, she posted about the very same song!

Thursday Thanks Tank

Pam at Without Fear hosts Thursday Thanks Tank, and trust me when I say -- there is no better way to improve one's outlook on life then to take a look at a list of what you're thankful for! Why don't you give it a try??

Here is a list of things that I am ever so thankful for...

1. My husband. Why? Because he grounds me -- daily. He leads our household to the very best of his abilities. He loves me regardless of my many shortcomings. He holds me when I need to be held. He is my very, VERY best friend in the whole wide world. He prays with me, and for me. He is a man of integrity, faith, and honor... and he has a wonderful sense of humor.

2. My son. He makes me laugh, cry, and sigh from the very bottom of my heart -- the kind of sigh that makes you feel like your heart might just come out with it! He loves to sing, dance, run, climb, jump, and he loves to hug and kiss mommy and daddy. Last night at church, he cried out... "Mommy!" and my sister in law pointed out to me that it was so sweet that now he's saying "Mommy" and not mama, or ma. It was a sweet reminder of all the times I cried, prayed, and begged God for a child that would call me mommy! Thanks for that special reminder, Sunshine!!

3. Scripture. It lifts my spirits, challenges me, and teaches me new things each time I read it!!! It renews me and refreshes me.

4. This week. I'm thankful it has flown by. I'm thankful Monday was a holiday, therefore shortening the week by one day!

5. An extra day off from work. I did absolutely nothing this weekend. Nothing at all. I didn't do laundry, didn't clean, didn't cook, and barely lifted my body off of my comfy chair, the couch, or my bed. I just relaxed, and was able to read an entire book in one day! Shock and awe, y'all! My husband carried the weight of everything so that I could just relax. He's the bestest!!!

6. Lessons learned. We're learning a lot of them: how to be fiscally frugal; how to budget tightly; how to make a dollar stretch; how to make a gourmet meal out of hot dogs. It's a challenge, and it can be stressful, but it's also rather fun!

7. Friends. Many of you have reached out and sent me recipes, links, notes, outlines, and all kinds of goodies on how to save money! Thank you so much!!!

8. My down blanket. I love to snuggle under it when it gets cold at night. It's cozy, comfy, and keeps me so warm that I don't want to get out of bed in the morning.

So, what are you thankful for???

Would YOU eat from Ravens?

As I mentioned yesterday, this past Wednesday, our Pastorman taught from 1 Kings 17 -- the early ministry of Elijah. In the very first paragraph, he boldly stands in front of Ahab and declares that in the next years, there will be a terrible drought -- as in, NOT ONE DROP OF RAIN. Then, God tells Elijah to get outta dodge, and get out fast! He instructs Elijah to go to the other side of the Jordan where he can ... "drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there."

Ummmm ... Yeah. Okay. The ravens. And... that food ... it's gonna be sanitary and clean and nicely packaged in plastic shrink wrap, right?

Wrong. Pastorman pointed out that it was probably picked off of a dead carcass -- nice. And not only did he point that out, but he then proceeded to ask me if I would have been willing to eat that food.

Of course, my answer was something like this: "uh, well, um, uhhhh ... I'm not so sure, but I, uhhh (think, woman... think! give a spiritual answer) yeah, I uhhhhh... would hope I would have the faith to eat the food the ... uh... ravens provided me with."

In other words ... no. Absolutely no