YES.....It Was Radical!

I promised a follow-up on the Radical Christmas Campaign, and here it is!

As I said in an earlier post, Michael and I were blessed to be part of the campaign that was sponsored by First Methodist Church in our town. We helped wrap presents a couple of times, and then were appointed "runners" the night of the event. It took place on Christmas Eve in our local convention center.

I can't begin to tell you how organized this thing was! The plan was to provide a beautiful Christmas conert, and then a message presenting the gospel to our community. Afterward, the church gave out baskets of food and presents to families who had pre-qualified based on need.

Ok - those are the facts, but not the story!

The real story comes from what God did to bless this amazing event. My understanding is that there was some skepticism about how much people would be able to donate due to economic downturns. If you look at the problem with human eyes, it seems insurmountable! But....if you just believe in the awesome possibilities when you follow God's leading, miraculous things happen!

Unbelievably, people just kept giving. And more people were blessed! The convention center was absolutely full of volunteers, and full of people who needed help. As food and gifts were passed out, the air was thick with joy and hope. It was absolutely contagious!

I am reminded now that Christmas is about giving. I often give to people who aren't in need: my kids, my family, my friends. I enjoy that. But to give to people who are truly needing help, well, there aren't as many opportunities. I'm going to have to actively look for those - and not just at Christmas.

Thank you, First Methodist, for your commitment to our community. Thank you for taking on the monumental task of organizing and carrying out this campaign. Thank you for reminding us that God is not limited by our ideas and abilities.

And........THANK YOU for blessing me in the process.

Two Posts in One Day?? That's Crazy!

I was looking around for some praise music to listen to while I got ready for the day, and found this. It was too good not to share!!! I got so excited I almost burned my hair in the curling iron!





Have a blessed day!

It's a Radical Christmas!!!

I don't have alot to share on this just yet, but wanted to let you in on an exciting thing that is happening in our lives!

A month or so ago, God brought to my mind a study that I had done years ago. Has anybody completed "Experiencing God"? The thing I remember most is "Find where God is working, and join Him"! Is that exciting, or what?!

So....I began looking around and, lo and behold, I heard about the "Radical Christmas Campaign" in our town. God is doing some amazing and miraculous things through His people. I quickly asked how Michael and I could help, and we became part of the process! Radical Christmas will provide food, toys, ornaments, and Bibles for over 360 needy families in our area.

I have experienced some lean Christmas seasons in my childhood, so I know how much this will mean to these families. I cannot tell you the joy that has filled my heart just being a part of such a wonderful campaign. I have seen God multiply His blessings over and over, and open people's hearts to give and give. Joy to the world!!!!!

I will update you later on how it all turned out.......

An Invisible Thread

I HAVE TO STOP READING! I HAVE TO FINISH PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS!

One of the fantastic things about having a Nook is that I can instantly download any book I want and begin reading it right away! One of the worst things about having a Nook is that I can instantly download any book I want and begin reading it right away!

I saw Anderson Cooper interview the writers of the book "An Invisible Thread: The True Story of an 11-year old Panhandler, a Busy Sales Executive, and an Unlikely Meeting with Destiny". It seemed like a fascinating story, and I downloaded it right away. I was not disappointed! I should have been baking cookies, but I could not put it down!

This true story is absolutely amazing! It shows the impact that one person can make in a child's life by investing in them and showing them love. It truly touched my heart and challenged me to search for more ways to serve others.

Tomorrow.....I will bake cookies!

There Are No Orphans of God!

I wish that I could relate to you in words how precious my time with God has been this last week! I have drawn near to Him and He has drawn near to me. The peace He has given me is nothing short of miraculous!

On Saturday, right after I had received the news about my biological dad, I began to call my children. I was still digesting the information, and I remember remarking to Patty "I just feel like I have been orphaned." My heart remembered the days of abandonment and that feeling of being unwanted and alone.

When I finally got to my email, I had a note from Patty. It was written just moments after I talked to her, and she said "You have a heavenly Father who is always with you, 'I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you' (John 14:18). Not only do you have the assurance of never being left alone as an orphan, but God provided you with an amazing earthly father in Pop. He too has always wanted you and is always there for you." She added, "Do not let satan have an inch in your thoughts and fill you with self-doubt and 'what if's". But instead 'cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you' (1 Peter 5:7)" (added with her permission)

The next evening, we traveled to another state to hear Meredyth sing in her Christmas musical performance at her church. I expected typical Christmas music - the familiar carols I love to hear and sing. The church was crowded and we sat near the back, but we could see and participate with ease.

The choir and soloists did tell the Christmas story through song and narration. But near the end, a lovely woman came out of the choir and began to sing a song that I wouldn't have described as a Christmas song. As she sang, tears sprang to my eyes, and then ran down my face, and then I began to weep. It's hard to weep quietly and not be a public spectacle, but I managed!

Below is the video of Avalon recording the song they sang that night. As you listen, you will see why I believe God included it just for me!

I wished.......

Several months ago, we found out my biological dad had cancer that had spread extensively. If you have read my testimony, you know that we have not had much contact. I saw him at my grandmother's birthday party in January. We chit-chatted a bit, sharing nothing but small talk. Needless to say, it's quite awkward to stand in a room talking to someone you share DNA with, but really don't know. Add to that, that special someone abandoned you.

Well, a few weeks ago, he contacted me. He said that he needed to resolve some things with me, and he began to share his regret over how he had missed out on my life. He told me it was his deepest regret, and he only wished he could do it over. He wished he knew me, and he hoped to have time to fix things. He told me loved me, more than I could ever know, and that he had given his heart to Christ. He had a new heart.

Nah......

That didn't happen. That was the scenario I played out in my head every day as I prayed for him to hear the gospel and know God. I wanted that to happen. I wanted him to resolve all the mess he left me with, and I wanted him to be the man I always hoped he could be. I don't think I realized how much I wanted that until the opportunity was lost forever.

On December 10, he passed away. I attended his funeral this week, as pretty much an outsider. It was quite possibly the single hardest thing I have ever done. As the pastor spoke, I kept listening for something, anything that would tell me more about him. I didn't learn much. I did learn that he loved his family very much, (the present one, not the original one) and that he was very good to them. Ouch.

satan threatened to drag me back to that place - the dark, twisty place - where I once was. I sat there thinking "Ok, he loved everyone here but me. What is wrong with me?" I wanted to stand up and scream "ARE YOU KIDDING?"

But....I didn't. For the Holy Spirit quickly reminded me that He had healed me from the inside out. It still hurts, but I know who I am in Christ. I know that my life is extraordinary. God saved me from a life of repeating the mistakes my bio dad made. He rescued me and made me whole.

I'm pretty sure I still have a lot to sort out. It feels a little like a final chapter to a very long book has been written and the story is over. But I know it isn't over completely. There's a sequel that is full of hope and God's promises and my redemption. Hallelujah.

CWL

A few weeks ago, I was invited to the Christian Women's Luncheon in our town. I didn't even know there was such a thing! A friend of mine from church attends the luncheon, which occurs once a month at the Episcopal Church. I couldn't wait to attend.

It was a rainy, rainy, day that Monday! It wasn't that drizzly kind of rain, either! It was POURING. It was also cold. I have to admit that staying in my yoga pants and fuzzy sweater and covering up with a blanket sounded much better than venturing out in the rain to have lunch with a group of women I didn't even know.

My friend picked me up, and we drove to the church. We parked and then cautiously tiptoed through the small rivers running down the sidewalk. As we entered the room, the aroma of Christmas cookies and candles rushed toward me. The room was warm and welcoming and joyful! What a blessing!

I actually knew quite a few of the women who were in attendance. There were many denominations represented, and many age groups as well. As we gathered around tables and enjoyed the catered lunch, I could feel the kindness and warmth resonating through these women. I'm sure if we had shared our specific denomination beliefs, there would have been many differences. But...we all worshipped the same God and knew Christ as our Saviour. Our hearts were knit together in that blessed way that only the Holy Spirit can bring about.

The speaker was a lovely woman who was the senior pastor in a nearby town. Her joy was contagious as she shared the unique and precious role that Mary played in bringing Christ to earth. She also spoke about God's provision of Elizabeth as a mentor in her life, and the importance of having a mentor of our own.

I know that has been missing in my life. My mom fulfilled that role for me, along with many other amazing women. One that immediately comes to mind is my Sunday School teacher, Bev Weddle, when Michael and I first moved to New Orleans. I was in a huge city, knew no one, and was very lonely and afraid. Bev was also transplanted to Louisiana, and she dove right in and began to serve. She was the model of a godly wife in front of me, and I have never forgotten her.

In this age of technology and information, perhaps the art of mentoring has been somewhat cast aside. If we have a question, we can "google it" or download a book on any subject. We don't have to rely on other women for guidance and help, because we can seek the advice of experts. I'm not sure it's a good thing.

I have begun to pray expectantly and excitedly for a mentor of my very own. Perhaps she will be one of those lovely women I shared lunch with this week. Or maybe God has someone totally different in mind. I just know it is a very right thing to wish and pray for.

Thanks, Louise, for taking the time to pick me up that rainy Monday. God blessed me through you!

25 Things Your Husband Longs to Hear

I read this in my quiet time this morning and just had to share it with you.

25 Things Your Husband Longs to Hear

* I've been thinking about you all day.

* What can I do for you today?

* How can I pray for you today?

* The best part of my day is when you come home.

* You are one of God's most precious gifts to me.

* Thank you.

* I'm sorry.

* You are so wonderful.

* You look so handsome today.

* You make my day brighter.

* I don't feel complete without you.

* You are my best friend.

* I love spending time with you.

* Thank you for taking such good care of me.

* You are my knight in shining armor.

* I will always love you.

* I trust your decisions.

* I can always count on you.

* What would you like to do?

* I prize every moment we are together.

* I see God's fingerprints all over you.

* You are such an inspiration to so many people.

* You are such a wonderful father.

* You could give classes on how to be a great husband.

* I believe in you.

Cheesy? Perhaps. But although all those things are in my heart, I don't share them with Michael often enough. I am still studying "The Power of a Woman's Words", and there are some great tips in it on how to encourage others.

I can think of no better place to improve than with my husband!