Reflections going into the holiday's

Hello Sister Wife's,

I hope this post finds you doing well post Thanksgiving. The past few months have been a whirl wind and I am happy to say my Shuman's and I have begun to set into a routine finally.

I absolutely love my new job and responsibilities at the private school. God always knows what He is doing and He placed me in the right place. I was heading toward burn out, through no fault but my own. My personality and my last position could only couple for so long. The kids are still in the preschool and learning so much. Little man, his vocabulary is blossoming every day, or as much as it can for a 2 year old. Little miss is so bright and sassy, she has her best friend and her favorite teachers. Drop off has gradually gotten easier with time - I must confess, that has been the hardest thing for me. Not being with them all day. I now know what most parent's who utilize childcare have experienced.

But at the same time I have discovered a better sense of my self. Eventually both kids will join me at the Academy. But they rarely, if ever will see me, so I will still have anonymity while being with them. The morning commute to work and the afternoon commute to get them are cherished moments I have needed. In the afternoon's I have discovered a pastor out of Beaumont who preaches the word, teaches so Hebrew grammar and always has a message that hits the heart. Hearing that after a successful day at work is a great refresher before an evening at home with my littles.

Along with the change in career, my spiritual life has been transformed. At the beginning of August or so of this year our pastor challenged people to join what the pastoral staff called, The Joshua Team. It stems from Exodus 33:11

¹¹ So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.

Our Pastor challenged those who wanted to join to commit to 30 minutes of prayer a day, with daily Bible Reading. It was a 40 day initiative. To start, there were 8 verses one was to read though to focus the mind. One was to read a Proverb (the date of the month) and a Psalm (day number of the initiative) and to work through 1 John (would read through it 8 times during the 40 days). The hope was that after the individual would have developed a lifelong habit. Our Pastor mentioned it through September and encouraged people to develop a plan for after and to come up with life verses to commit to memory. About 2 weeks in, over 500 people had signed up to participate.

Today was day 104 for me. I began my 40 days on my first day of my new job. I read Revelation twice after the first 40 days, which took me through day 84, and now I am 20 days into my 3rd 40 day set. I am working my way through the Gospel (will get me through most of the Spring semester). I have developed my 8 life verses I read every day.

And on top of that, starting in October I added scripture writing - which is amazing. So I read my 8 life verses, read my Proverb, Psalm and currently Gospel chapter (I am in Matthew), and then I work on writing scriptures. It being November, I found a thanksgiving writing plan. I will settle on my December one by Tuesday of this next week. It allows me to read a portion of verses (usually around 5), write them and think on them. The act of writing the verses makes them more real to me, I have to pay attention to the words.

On top of all this I am reading for pleasure. And trying to write more. I do want to be published by 33 and have several book ideas in my head, with one started on paper.

During this time....an election occurred. To say it was interesting would be an understatement. I have never been more excited for an election to be complete. It will be interesting to see how 2016 is recorded in the history books 30, 50, 75 years from now. So much hostility, friction, division, and animosity. People are still hurting, and probably will be for some time. There is denial and resentment, and smugness even from some. My thoughts on the whole thing are this:

• We as a country are divided. And we have done it to ourselves.
• We have put our hope in our politicians and elected leaders.
• We have stayed silent and sat back because it was easier.
• We have what we have because we deserve it.

Those are some hard truths to swallow. But we have given up our liberties for the illusion of security. And therefore we really have neither.

As a believer, this is what I hold true:

• This world is not my home.
• No man on earth can save me.
• My hope must rest in Jesus and His kingdom to come.
• As a believer, my life is to show fruits, and my actions show and grow those fruits.

Sister's (and any Brother's reading) we have to stop sitting back. We need to be harvesters in the field. We need to work. The Christian life is not meant to be a cushy position. It takes work, it takes sweat, it takes loss, and sacrifice. We are to be an example of Christ in this broken world. He came to serve not be served. Therefore, how are you serving? How are you helping? Give your time and talents. If you are tired of believers in the faith being persecuted stand up. If you are tired of being dismissed by the media, put your voice out there. If you are not being heard, it is because you are being silent. It might cost you, more than likely it will, but it is better to pay the price then be denied by Christ before the Father.

As we go into the holidays, with Christmas, New Year, and colder weather, lets focus on brotherly love. Let us help each other. Look for ways to lend a hand, give some cookies, or donate a blanket. Most churches have programs going, as do food banks and homeless shelters. We can all do something. And if you have little one's at home, take them with you. It will be hard, but they learn to live the Christian life by seeing you live it out.

We gathered with Thanksgiving in our hearts.

Patriotism, Politics & Faith

 



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Anytime my daughter sees anything red, white, and blue she yells, "Mommy, America!" Doesn't matter if it is the American flag, Texas flag, or even the Houston Texans flag, she associates red, white and blue with America.

It makes my heart happy.

I love that my daughter, even though she doesn't know why, loves her country. Her excitement is catching. It also makes her dad happy because his favorite holiday is Independence Day.

But in this day and age, I have to wonder what has happened to our country. With the way things are going, is there going to be anything for her to be proud of in regards to this country when she is an adult.

I have been interested in politics since my senior year of high school when I took Government AP with Mr. James. He made people think, the work was hard, the class a challenge. If you said you stood for something, or believed in something, you had to have a reason. And because it was what you were raised to believe, or how your parent's believed was not enough for him. He challenged every student to think for themselves and form their own opinions. To do research. Now if after studying, and reflecting you still held the same beliefs and opinions he would leave you be. But you had to put effort into what you thought.

I vote - every election that I can - I vote. As the years have gone by I have done more and more research and feel that with every elections I am more and more informed. I have matured in my voting knowledge and skill. Some elections I have felt at a loss, unsure of who to truly vote for. Other elections I have felt confident with whom I voted for. In fact, in order to make sure I get my vote in I always early vote (missed it once and had to vote on election day and it was horrible!). And, odd as it sounds, I always take my children with me. I have taken them with strollers, wrapped in my Moby, and clinging to my legs. I want them to know about voting and if they have questions, mostly my daughter, I get to explain what I am doing and why it is important.

Then there is this election.

I was flabbergasted that there were 17 nominees for the Republican ticket last year. Now I loved that Ted Cruz was in the running, and I threw my hat behind him. I was more than a bit disappointed when he dropped out. There were a few other candidates that I was okay with if they were the eventual nominee. All that to say - none of them, even Ted Cruz, are perfect, they are all flawed individuals. but I was willing to go along with the party platform for almost any of the nominees.

I will confess, I thought Donald Trump running was a publicity stunt. I did not fathom that he was serious about running. So when he became the Republican nominee....well, I was floored. I never cared for his show, or for him. He has always been rash, rude and crude in my opinion.  And to think that he is who was selected, it has had me thinking, praying, and researching for months.

I will say, without a doubt, I will not vote for Hillary Clinton. That woman is deplorable, and minus being a woman and from America, in my opinion embodies all the characteristics of the anti-Christ. Through over a year of study in the Book of Revelation I know she is not the anti-Christ, but the Bible does tell of people embodying characteristics of the anti-Christ, but as bad as they are, they are not The Anti-Christ. Mrs. Clinton is a liar, does not care about others, has no regard for life (unborn or soldiers), and believes she can do what she wants. In fact, she does do what she wants, and those who can do anything about her corruption have let her get away with it all.

So, many would naturally assume that since I will not vote for Mrs. Clinton I must be voting for Trump. After Ted Cruz dropped out I was really convicted on being held accountable for my vote to God. I have hated voting "the lesser of two evils" for so many years past, and had hoped this year I would be able to vote in good conscience. But with the options presented...there is no lesser evil. It is evil vs. evil and America is the loser. I cannot vote Trump. For about a month I thought that I could swallow my indignation and cast my vote for him, but I cannot deny what he is: a lost man, a philanderer, a chauvinist, disregarder of personal rights, rude, crude...he is deplorable. Not his voters, he himself is the deplorable.

Now, what am I going to do? I have heard it preached from the mountain tops that if I don't cast my vote for Trump I am giving my vote to Hillary. And vice versa. I am contemplating leaving that section of my election ballot blank. I just recently was made aware of  Darrell Castle. I am doing my research, so maybe, just maybe I can "vote" for someone. But I have resolved that I will not vote for Trump or Clinton. And I know people will be upset saying am giving my vote away, that I am part of the problem. No people. The problem is our world is broken and needs Jesus. Too many individuals are putting their faith in flawed individuals and not in Jesus. No matter who wins this election (if Trump or Clinton I believe America loses for the next four years), Jesus is who my faith is in. And when I get to heaven and have to give an account for my actions, I will in good peace say I did not vote for either.

So, 20 years from now, when my daughter is in her mid-20's, what will she have to be proud of in regards to her country? I don't know. But I do know that because of the circus this election has become, more people are registering to vote, and more people appear to be getting engaged. Liberalism and progressivism have chipped away at the foundation that started our country. As I grew up I never imagined the issues (social, political, spiritual)that we are currently facing. Covergirl has their first male spokesman, Christian bakers are shut down for not wanting to make a "wedding" cake for a lesbian couple, communities are destroying themselves because cops defend themselves from someone shooting at them, and a known liar and a t.v. personality are running for president. I don't know if to cry, laugh or both. Right now I am still in shock.

So how can we make sure that my daughter, and the all generations to come are proud of America when they get older? the Bible holds the answer:

2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)
¹⁴ if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

America was founded with a person's faith in mind. People, we must pray. We need to return to our first love God. We need to develop our relationship with him. We need to serve him, seek him, and live for him. And while many people may proclaim to be believers, they have no fruit to show for it. We are known by the fruits we produce:

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Matthew 7:15-20 (ESV)
¹⁵ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. ¹⁶ You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

America is rotting. We are not longer producing spiritual fruit. If we want our children to grow up and have a country they can love, we need to get our knees and pray. We need to do as the Prophet Isaiah told us:
Isaiah 55:6 (NKJV)

⁶ Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.

 

There will come a time when he will no longer hear us. I pray that it is not too late.

 

Amen

Hearing

I had an opportunity this morning that I am extremely grateful for.

For the past year or so I have had the privilege to take Precept Bible Study. It is a very in depth study of the Bible, using the Bible to study the Bible. I am now in my 3rd semester on the Book of Revelation. It has been an amazing journey, and one I am glad I decided to take.

At the revival I was saved at, the night in particular the message was out of Revelation. And since that night about 17 years ago, the Book of Revelation has been a favorite of mine. The lady leading the precept class is amazing, Linda Munsart. She is a wellspring of information. The cross references she just produces when people asks questions is amazing. She is a living, breathing Bible Google.

I have learned so much in the past year from her. I have read some commentaries in years past on Revelation that were insightful. My pastor even did an almost year long study of Revelation on Wednesday nights a few years back. I have all my notes from that. When I lost my Bible earlier this year I was so frustrated because of all the notes I had in it, and because of personal revelations I had written in the Book of Revelation. But the insights I have garnered from studying under Linda Munsart can never be underappreciated. I have done the homework, the readings, I have thought over the lessons for the past year - and there are times none of it has made sense. Then I get to class, and for an hour to almost an hour and a half for 12 Sunday's in a row I am blown away. She brings it all together. She makes the picture make sense.

Linda is married to a man by the name of Harvey Munsart. He is a delight to study with, as he is in his wife's precept class. He sits front row, and I sit behind him. That is how we have done it into this 3rd semester. He has added wonderful insights into her teachings as he has an interesting perspective. He is a messianic Jew.

A messianic Jew, or fulfilled Jew or a Jewish believer is one who has accepted that Jesus is the Messiah. This morning I had the privilege to hear his testimony as he shared it with the secondary students during chapel at the academy I work at. I heard him Sunday night mention that he had the opportunity to share and was looking forward to doing it. I asked my boss first thing Monday morning if I could attend chapel to hear the testimony.  Mr. Munsart came to faith in Jesus only through the Old Testament. His heart was opened to Jesus by spending months going through Old Testament scriptures and seeing the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus. And on February 12, 2002 he became a fulfilled Jew.

His testimony was amazing, and his perspective on Jewish tradition/culture very enlightening. He has written a book (I received it last year) on his testimony and his in-depth study of the Old Testament scriptures. After I complete the Revelation Precept I plan on reading his book. As I have discovered (from in class and this morning's chapel experience) he is a man of detail, so I want to give his book the time it deserves.

Thank you

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Thank you! My last post, my testimony of God working in my life to bring me to my new job, has been read 99 times. That is the most views/readings other than my post: America is Judah.

Thank you for sharing and caring enough to read my writings. Please share with me your thoughts, ideas, or any questions you might you have.

God Bless!

Moses, Joshua, & Ruth - Still Impacting Believing Women in 2016

God is amazing. Do you know that sister? Do you know how amazing He is? Have you experienced his omnipotent power personally?

One of the greatest blessings of being a believer is we can boldly come before the throne of the Heavenly Father and make our petitions known to Him. And the closer you draw to Him, the more aware you will be.

I have heard it said that if your testimony doesn't have a current accounting of God impacting your life, maybe you have drifted apart from Him. There might be a smidge of truth to this. I have several small events that I know are of God, I also know of the biggest one in my life (calling off my first engagement/wedding). But now, now I have an even better story of God working in my life, a story that is 8 years in the making.

~*~*~*~

Eight years ago, I moved from Corpus Christi, Texas to Pasadena, Texas (just outside of Houston, Texas). Within about a two week period I found the church I wanted to join and be apart of. Only after that did I find a job. (God is wonderful! He makes sure you have your priorities in line). The church I was blessed to find was First Baptist Church of Pasadena, Texas.

I love how I found it to, I got stuck at a traffic light (Red Bluff and Fairmont). I sat there for well over 10 minutes. Back in2008 there was a brick wall with a digital running message. That night, as I got stuck at that light, I eventually read the message: the times for service. I made a mental note to myself to come that Sunday. And finally the light turned green.

I joined during my 2nd Sunday visit, and over time I have become more and more involved. First I was in a Sunday School class, then I taught (Jr. High on Saturday night, 1st grade on Sunday mornings), now I help with admin stuff in my ladies class and I sing in choir. I have over the years attended as often as I could: Tuesday Bible Lunch, Wednesday night service, and every opportunity on Sunday. I had someone once ask me if I was there every time the doors opened.

My answer then was not that much, but close.

Now, I have not set my church up as an idol, or the staff. I just  love the feeling of the place. I have always felt welcomed, challenged, motivated and inspired . The people there are all sinners in need of a Savior, and the welcome all who thirst for the living water. Since 2008 the church has grown (building size and congregation wise), the school that is attached to the church has grown, there are new staff members, and so much more. The leadership of the church is always pushing the members to live harder for Christ - they are pushing us to draw closer to Jesus, prayer more, and reach out to lost.

I love being around the people at the church - they have hearts that are set on serving.

And semi-secretly, I have wanted to work there for 8 years. That has been a secret desire of my heart.

Not many have known of this desire, just a few.

Now, fast forward to about 3 weeks ago.

I had cooking club with some lovely ladies from church. We have been working our way through Ree Drummond's (aka The Pioneer Woman) first cook book. It has been a great experience and has us all cooking more for our families. Well when we met this last time I put forth a prayer request. Brock and I have been considering our future and how best to provide for our little family and accomplish what God has set on our hearts. The other thing I mentioned was that God had placed on my heart that my time at Strawberry Fields of Learning was coming to an end.

I told the ladies I wasn't sure what that meant or even the time line. Remember God told Abraham and Sarah they would have a child and it took 25 years for Issac to be born. 25 years! I have a hard time waiting 5 minutes in the drive thru for my breakfast, heaven help me if I had to wait 25 years. But, I have learned lately that time is not of importance to God, but timing is of the utmost importance. So, when God laid this on my heart, He also laid on me to do nothing but wait and say nothing. That was May of this year (2016).

God knows us, He created us. He knew to tell me to be patient and wait. To pray. Because the flesh/worldly side of me would have started job hunting - I would have gone into fix it mode instead of waiting. So I have waited. I have said nothing. I have prayed. And I have worked. I have worked on the projects that I normally do during the summer. I have gone forward at my job as Director as though I would be in that position for many years to come.

That night at cooking club I felt compelled to share my prayer request. So while we were wrapping up I laid it out there. Now this wonderful group of ladies are mostly teachers (only one other besides myself is not a teacher). And once I made my request known they agreed to pray for me. (Sister's if you do not have a group of ladies in your corner, get some! They will help keep you sane). But they also had an idea. It was suggested to me that I apply for a job with a local school district to be a secretary: great benefits, better pay than many think, holidays/summer off, etc. I must admit, that sounded very enticing. I told them I would think on it.

As I left, I felt upon my heart to call my mother in love and run the entire issue by her. She wasn't at home but would be soon. I was just around the corner, so I met her and my father in love within minutes. I ran the idea by her and she agreed that it did sound great, and that I would be qualified. Then she gave me a but,

Her boss was in need of an assistant, and right away. She works for the private school that is a ministry of our church. His current assistant was transferring over to the church asap. I let her know that if he was willing to interview me, I would love to apply. Within minutes I had a Monday morning interview set up. Before I left, she prayed over me with my father in love.

If you have read the story of Ruth you know that Ruth respected and loved Naomi. I am blessed to have a wonderful mother in law and she is such a great example. The story of Ruth is such a wonderful story. It is possible to have a good relationship with your mother in law. Strive for it!

During this I had communicated with Brock what was going on, and why I wasn't home yet. When I got home, I went into more detail and he backed my decision.

Sunday I shared with my Sunday School class what had happened the night prior and what was to come the next day. That day I prayed, and prayed often. During evening service, our Pastor called for a time of prayer. Brock and I went down to the altar and prayed together.

The next morning, I went to work and took care of business. I made sure all was covered and went for my interview.

I went with 2 mindsets: if I got the job, it was all God and if I did not get the job, then it was a test from God on if I would be obedient.

The interview was amazing and extensive. A personality profile, 3 individuals sat in on the interview, and I was asked questions that I had me truly evaluating my walk. Who were my hero's, what books was I reading, had I led anyone to Christ, what was my testimony. Just to give you an idea. I was told by Friday I would be told if the job was mine.

I went back to work and did what I needed to do.

The next morning before 9:00am I was given an offer for employment.

I called Brock and told him the news. We had ironed out a few details prior on things that would have to happen if I was going to be able to accept the job. I then had to make the phone call to my boss. All she knew was that the day prior I had business to take care of.

I called her and let her know everything, going back all the way to May and what God and put on my heart. Her and I ironed out a few details and I effectively gave my notice. I called my future new boss and accepted the job.

We had to keep mum for over a week as the owner of the preschool (my boss) was on vacation and she wanted to announce in person to the staff. So for a week O worked hard getting life squared away and ready for me to be gone. People wondered what was going on, but things were kept under wrap.

Last Wednesday she came back to town and we told the staff. There were tears, a few "No ma-am's" and plenty of hugs to go around. That day we drafted a letter that informed the parents of the change that was to come. This past Friday I ended my 5 years of employment at Strawberry Fields of Learning. I was given a great send off - cake, balloons, flowers, gifts and much love.

During the past few weeks I have read about the transition that happened from Moses to Joshua. Moses was banned from entering the Promise Land because he disobeyed God when he struck the rock with his staff (Numbers 20). And because of that Moses only got to see a glimpse of the Promise Land before joining his ancestors. Joshua was selected to lead Israel into the Promise Land.

This history from the Bible has stuck with me. If you know me personally, you know life at work the past year has been a rough journey. But over the past 6 months life has been better, we have seen glimpses of our own promise land. And so I have likened myself to Moses, and that God has allowed me a glimpse of what is to come, but that I can go no further with tribe I had been entrusted to guide and lead.

I have pondered what my disobedience was, and I have summarized is that I hired the wrong person. On paper she was fabulous, and I jumped on the opportunity. But I didn't look deeper, didn't pray/think over it. Within days of hiring the lady, numerous applicants that could have been better came through my door. But I hired her in fear of not having a teacher.

And now that the school is in a good position, God has removed me and is letting someone else lead that wonderful group of ladies into a brighter future.

But I have no regrets. Today was day 2 at my new job, and I am loving it. I am loving the environment, the opportunity, and the people. I have my dream job, it took 8 years, and many trials, but I have my hearts desire and cannot wait to see what is to come.

A Strong Face

If you know me personally, you may have seen me use the hashtag #stupidpcos

I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Also endometriosis. I have had both for about 17 year.

I have what is described a mild case: irregular period, heavy bleeding, acne, weight gain. And the cyst on my ovaries, which have been known to rupture. I thank God I haven't had a rupture lately.....those days are the worst.

If you are lucky enough to get pregnant, there have been cases of women overcoming their PCOS. After 2 pregnancies, and nursing for the past years, I finally had to admit I did not overcome mine. I stopped nursing this past October. We are 9 months past that....my hormones have basically leveled back out. And each month...my cycle gets worse. I cramp more, I have no energy, I am sick....But I put on a strong face for the world.

But I can't at home. I am so blessed that at home, I can let my symptoms take over and just try and survive.

No make up, hair natural, sweat pants without a waist band (pressure hurts!), and my good and faithful heating pad. I am a hoot to be around when my cycle comes along. If I make it off the couch at night it is a miracle.

I thank God that he gives me the strength and motivation to get up in the morning and go to work. The easiest thing would be to stay home and sleep all day. Actually, minus taking my kids to breakfast that is what I pretty much did yesterday. I took 2 naps.

So when I post that lovely little hash tag, know that it is me trying to inject some humor into my life. The pain is getting worse each cycle, and my energy lags progressively more.

And to all my sisters out there with a disease or illness that the world cannot see...I am with you. I understand the will power you have to have to get on with life. Some of you have no option, you have to have that brave face on all the time, you do not have a refuge like I do. I pray for you. Pray for me.

Captivated by a Wild Heart

Shortly after I called off my wedding I was given a book to read.

Let me go back in time first...

I once was engaged to a soldier in the Army. About six weeks before the wedding date I called the whole thing off.

Let me go a bit further back...

My parent's divorced when I was 2 1/2 years old. My daddy has never remarried, and maybe only dated a few times less than a handful. My mom remarried two times more after that. Her and my dad have been married about 20 something years. But the experience of living with different families, going through divorce....I never wanted my children to go through that. I never wanted to go through that.

Now I don't think people want to go through divorce. But I do believe if people took more time before they married, and create a Biblical foundation, then there would be less divorce in this world.
So, at six weeks before the big day, I called off my wedding. The signs were there, but honestly I ignored them. I still had not had a bridal shower. I would not commit to stationary for a shower. Now things were paid for: venue, cake, photographer, wedding dress...But, I called the whole thing off. And the reason I waited so long was because I feared disappointing my family. Eventually the message got through my head that they were not the ones who were going to have to live with the man, I was. And if they were upset with me calling off a wedding, that they had not helped pay for, well that would be on them.

No one was disappointed. A few were relieved. A few were even proud of me for having the gumption to do take the action that I did. His actions afterwards validated my decision that what I had done was right. He is now married, lives in Florida, and has two sons.

So a while after I called the wedding off and started getting my life on track, I ran into a friend from about a decade prior. This friend and I caught up and it was recommended to me to read the book "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge.

It transformed my life. And I am grateful for the women who encouraged the couple to write it. Originally they wrote "Wild at Heart," a book for men. And the women in the lives of these men who were transformed by reading "Wild at Heart" decided to read what their men had read. And after reading it, they pleaded for a book of their own. And "Captivating" came to be. Again, thank you!

"Set deep in the heart of every woman are three core desires.  Every woman longs for romance,
to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, and to be the Beauty in the tale.  It is for such that we were made." - from the website, www.ransomedheart.com (which is their ministry).

Ladies, if you want a book that will change your walk and your life, please get this book. Then get the study guide to go with it. I have read it twice, and plan on starting it again in a few days.

After I read it the first time, I realized something. I wanted to marry a man who had read "Wild at Heart." God placed a friend I hadn't seen in a decade into my life so that I could read this book. If  He did that for me, so that I could be a better believer and follower of Him, I wanted to be paired with a man who had been transformed too. A few years later I would meet my husband, and on his bookcase was a semi-battered copy of Wild at Heart.

God provides.

So, I am a bit of a odd duck. I don't have Hollywood or Music Industry crushes. Oh yes, I like actors, singers and such, but I don't obsess over them, and have no plans to travel anywhere to see any of the people I do watch/listen to anytime soon.

But, when you go into the realm of Christianity and its authors, churches, and preachers....that is different! I want to visit Sherwood Baptist Church in Georgia, this is the church that has put out the movies Fireproof and Courageous. If I met the Kendrick brothers, I would be on cloud nine. I want to go to The Cove, it is the Billy Graham Training Center, and I would love to study under his daughter Anne Graham Lotz (she is an amazing writer and speaker!). And I want to go to Colorado to visit Ransomed Heart ministries. That is the ministry of John and Stasi Eldredge.

And this October (right before my birthday) they are holding a Captivating Conference. To get a ticket is by lottery, so there is not guarantee. But next year, I will have money put aside, and I will enter that lotto for a chance to visit and study under individuals who transformed my life by a book...

But until then, I will the one book that is living, and can transform any life! The Bible. Above any other book you read, take the time to read your Scriptures. And may I make a suggestion? Use an actual Bible, not your cell phone. A Bible you can touch, you can feel, one with pages you can turn, or even mark in. To me there is always a deeper connection to scripture and to God when I actually read from my Bible instead of some app.

Good Night & God Bless!
Jessica