Choose Your Family

Whoever does not care for his own relatives, especially his own family members, has turned against the faith and is worse than someone who does not believe in God. 1 Timothy 5:8

The old saying - You can choose your friends but you can't choose your family - is something I have heard countless times.. But we must choose our family... We must choose to love them - even when they are unlovable... We need to reach out to them even if they are unreachable...... We need to try even when their backs are turned against us.....

It is very true that the ones you love can cause you the most pain... that's just the way it is... We need to overcome the pain.. we need to let go of our pride and forgive... to love... regardless... It is a difficult thing to overcome when someone does not respond to your love.... but that is the time to continue to love and not give up.... That is not to say - that you should become a rug so that you will be walked on..... it just means you need to love... and not hold grudges... It means to become reachable... it means to be there.... when your love is received..... and hopefully returned...

Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. 1 John 2:10

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you in due time. 1 Peter 5:5-6.

To Honor A Military Hero

I received this story in an email the other day. The story is a story that should be told about a hero, Mike Monsoor - Navy Petty Officer 2nd class.

Mike Monsoor
was awarded "The Congressional Medal of Honor" last week,
For giving his life in Iraq, as he jumped on, and covered with his body, a live hand grenade,
That was accidentally dropped by a Navy Seal,
Saving the lives of a large group of Navy Seals that was passing by.

During Mike Monsoor's Funeral,
At Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, In San Diego, California,
The six pallbearers removed the rosewood casket from the hearse,
and lined up on each side of Mike Monsoor's casket,
were his family members, friends, fellow sailors, and well-wishers.
The column of people continued from the hearse,
all the way to the grave site.
What the group did not know at the time was,
Every Navy Seal (45 to be exact)
That Mike Monsoor saved that day was scattered
through out the column....
As the pallbearers carried the rosewood casket
down the column of people to the grave side.
The column would collapse.
Which formed a group of people that followed behind.
Every time the rosewood casket passed a Navy Seal,
He would remove his Gold Trident Pin from his uniform,
and slap it down hard,
causing the Gold Trident Pin to embed itself
into the top of the wooden casket!
Then the Navy Seal would step back from the column,
and salute.
What is a Navy Seal Trident Pin?
After one completes the basic Navy Seals program which lasts for three weeks, and is followed by Seal qualification training, which is 15 more weeks of training, Necessary to continue improving basic skills and to learn new tactics and techniques,
required for an assignment to a Navy Seal Platoon.
After successful completion, the Seal is awarded
The Navy Seal Trident Pin -
With this pin they are officially Navy Seal's.
It was said,
That you could hear each of the 45 Slaps
From Across the Cemetery...
By the time the Rosewood Casket Reached The Grave Site,
It looked as thought it had a gold inlay from the
45 Trident Pins That Lined the top!

God Bless Mike Monsoor and every man and woman defending this Great Nation!

It Opened Right To The Page - Honest

Have you ever had a burden on your heart? You pray about it.... talk about it.... and out of no where - God just puts the answers right there for you to see... He loves to use different avenues to get our attention too... He has answered my questions - through a friend or two or three on FaceBook.. Through a book I picked up to read, a magazine article, a soft voice in your heart, and a phone call from a friend I have not heard from in a while...
Today, my heart is burdened about a punishment I am giving my daughter regarding her sneaky behavior and her disobedience with the TV in her bedroom. For more details you can read my dilemma at I've Become My Mother .

A little while ago I picked up a book I have not completely read - haven't touched the book in months - maybe a year... It's called "A Mom after God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George... I cracked open the book and this is what I read...

Protection from TV - (folks I did not look for this - the book opened to this!) TV can become another violator of our children's mental health and moral purity. So again we go battle. Block questionable channels. Stand strong against the trend of putting a TV in each child's room; have everyone watch TV in the family room. We can also set limits on TV time and programs. Our children should have limited TV so that they learn to spend their time and minds on much more interesting activities.
I will set nothing wicked before my eyes. Psalm 101:3... Be careful little eyes what you see; be careful little ears what you hear...

I have become one of those parents that did not monitor what my kid watched on TV in her room - she does not have access to movie channels but that did not stop her from sneaking "R" rated movies from my DVD collection... My kid has been asking me questions lately about stalkers, sex, and rape... I had no idea why... Now I just found out - her favorite channel is Lifetime TV for Women...... Now I know..... I think we both are learning a lesson here.. me to be more involved and her to stay away from grown up issues at least till she's a grown up....

Being A Teen Is Tough

Blessed are those
who do not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but delight in the law of the Lord
and meditate on his law day and night
Psalms 1:1-2

Being a teen is tough especially when
the cool kids are the mockers and
do not care about God and
do not obey their parents...
It's especially tough when your kid
is attracted to those kind of kids..

I must pray day and night
I pray that my kid will want
to have friends who are pure in heart
to want to do what is right
to want to follow the rules....
To make friends that will last a
lifetime...

Prayer Chain For Multiple Sclerosis

For many years my sister Debbie has been suffering.. She never complains - that is not her style.. She is the person who is more concerned about others.... She is a wife to Kurt for almost 29 years and the mother to two incredibly beautiful and talented daughters, Kristin and Lindsey.. She has done an amazing job and she is a big sister that I can and always will look up too.

I want to say it's been over twenty years that Debbie has been having spells - sometimes she would even pass out.. She has been subjected to almost every evasive test known to man - and never any conclusive results..... Debbie was told that she probably has fibromyalgia and maybe she does... but we all knew that there had to be something more - her symptoms did not add up to just fibromyalgia....

About four years ago - Debbie was out golfing and suddenly she did not remember how she got there - did not remember much - she called her daughter and was taken to the emergency room. At the hospital, one wise doctor decided to give her a MRI of her brain - the MRI showed many white lesions - which made the doctors believe that Debbie probably had Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Having a HMO I believe slows down the process of getting to the right doctors to get the right treatment... Since that day four years ago - Deb has had spinal taps, more MRIs, nerve conduction tests, and so many other painful tests... The doctors believe she does in fact have MS and now diabetes on top of it... But she always has to wait to see the doctor after the tests have been done... sometimes she has to wait months.... and she continues to suffer.. She is taking meds and some work but many don't... She does not want to take the shots - they have been discussed and the doctor believes they will help elevate many of the symptoms..... but the HMO wants more documentation. .. to authorize the shots - I have been told they are very costly....

I have been reading several blogs lately - many of these incredible people are also suffering from this painful and often debilitating disease of MS. God has put it on my heart to pray... Pray for healing.. Pray for peace.... Pray for God's presence to always be known. Please pray with me. Please pray for my sister Debbie - Please pray for the others that are suffering.
Please link up and invite others to pray for a cure.. pray for peace.. pray for understanding.. and pray for awareness. Thank you .

Our Founding Fathers Believed....

Today the government talks about separation of church and state and keeping Christianity and prayer out of the schools... but what the government has forgotten is that America's founders were devoutly Christian. George Washington, John Adams, Patrick Henry, and John Hancock for example all knew that God was important to the future of this country.. Our founding fathers based their decisions on biblical principles and believed that the future of our nation would govern themselves under the Word of Jesus Christ.

Benjamin Franklin - "I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth - that God governs in the affairs of men, and if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"

John Adams (2nd President) -- "Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love and reverence toward Almighty God... What a Utopia, what a Paradise would this region be."
excerpts taken from Rose Publishing

Our government has taken the stance that they know more than God... They have taken the stance that the Bible is old fashioned.. A great example is President Obama's comment about the sermon on the Mount and calling Jesus' sermon radical and not realistic.. Society has followed in the governments footsteps... not because society is bad.... but because many do not know better...

There is a vast difference between God's wisdom and man's.
The apostle Paul writes:Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 What this means is that The wisdom of this world does not coincide with God's wisdom. Paul is urging the Corinthian church to humble themselves because they are not wiser than God..

Walt Whitman spoke well of the contrast between knowledge and wisdom in his Song of The Open Road: Wisdom is not finally tested by the schools, Wisdom cannot be pass'd from one having it to another not having it, Wisdom is of the soul, is not susceptible of proof, is its own proof"

I fear for today's society..... I fear for the future of our children... Without God... there is nothing..

"For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding" Proverbs 2:6

All Things Are Possible

Sometimes - a song is exactly what we need to hear...... My faith will not be shaken..

I want my kids to always remember that All Things are Possible with God and God alone....

Adam's New Heart

Six months ago my friend Jenni gave birth to a baby boy. A beautiful 8lb 3 oz black haired angel.... What should have been a joyous time turned quickly into a sorrowful one. A few weeks after the Adam came into this world - he started having convulsions and stopped breathing....
The doctors were able to revive Adam - after a million tests they determined that his heart is bad... very bad. The doctors told the new parents that Adam would need a heart transplant.. I don't know the medical terms and I did not ask - I just wanted to be a presence for my friend.... for her husband... for their baby Adam.... Whatever they needed - I wanted to do it....
When Adam was five months old - Jenni and Bryan got the call.... Adam had a heart....and it was going to be at the hospital within a couple of hours. The doctors were already at the hospital and things were already moving along.
Before the surgery - I went to the hospital to pray and be with the family.... be errand girl if needed.... I wanted to be useful.. When I walked in the waiting room - the sight before me was something I will never forget.... and every time I think about it I can not help but get chills..
In the pediatric waiting room in a public hospital was my friend Jenni, Bryan, several family members and friends... They were all in a circle around six doctors dressed in scrubs.. They each had a hand on a doctor or the person in front of them.... Strangers saw this prayer circle and joined not even knowing why - but was called to prayer...... I quickly joined them and laid my hand on the person in front of me and we prayed..

Prayed for God's blessings
Prayed for Adam's new heart
Prayed for Jenni and Bryan
Prayed for the family that lost their baby and gave Adam a chance to live
Prayed for the surgeons
Prayed for peace....

This was an amazing experience for everyone that was involved... Adam made it through the surgery and he is home today.... and his little smile would melt your heart. Please pray for Adam, Jenni, and Bryan.... Please pray for continued good health and good spirits.

Big Sister... Little Sister

Today my youngest, Kara came into my office and said that Nikki (my thirteen year old) kicked her -

Me: Why did she kick you?

Kara: Because she wanted me out of her room

Me: Why were you in her room?

Kara: I was bored and I wanted to bug her

Me: Did the kick hurt?

Kara: No, I just wanted to get her in trouble...

I called Nikki into my office -

Me: Why did you kick Kara?

Nikki: Because she keeps coming in my room.

Me: Are you allowed to use physical force?

Nikki: No, but she mad me really frustrated... and I wanted her to know..

Me: Nik, that is why I gave you the book to write in - when you are mad at your
sister instead of yell, kick or say mean things - write about it..

Nikki: Well, I that doesn't work because I want her to know - how I feel and what I think...

Me: Is that what God wants? Don't you remember the book of James that you
read the other day?

Nikki: Yes -

Me: I know you think I am old fashioned and I don't know what being thirteen (13) is like but believe me, I remember - If you can follow one rule and remember it at all times you you would be much more happy believe me... The rule is Love Dare Day 2 - show patience and say nothing negative....

Nikki: (not looking convinced) yes, ma'am....

It tough being a teenager with a little sister - but as a parent I must teach my daughter self control... teach her to act in love and patience.... I need to set an example of a Godly woman so that she can learn by example.. I must pray everyday for wisdom and God's loving hand to guide in the ways of His will.....

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Obama Denies Flyover During Military Rally

I received this video the other day and I could not believe what I was watching... what I was hearing... President Obama denied a flyby during the 'God & Country Rally on July 7, 2009. This is the first time in 42 years a flyby was denied... Why you may ask.. Because of its Christian Nature.... Huh? Double Huh?
This is a rally that honors our military... This is a rally that honors the lives of the men and women who gave each and everyone of us the Freedom we enjoy today..... There were thousands of people attending this Military rally - Seventy (70) recruits were sworn in to fight for our country.. The attendees were looking forward to the flyby - it has been a tradition for 42 years...
The Official Pentagon Response was this:
"Air Force and DoD policy prohibit support for events which appear to endorse, selectively benefit, or favor any special interest group, religious or ideological movement." Again I must say "huh?" This is not a "religious" event - it's a "honoring event"..
What has changed to make this honorary event against Pentagon policy? A new President who at every opportunity denies anything religious.. Anything to do with Jesus.... With God... With Faith... Recently, President Obama was giving a speech at Georgetown University - before he spoke he covered the cross on the stage and a sacred sign for Jesus.... Why?
Here we have a President that refused to participate in the National Day of Prayer - Refused to allow the Government to participate in it but he would embrace and hold a large party and reception at the White House to celebrate Gay Pride Month this past June.... Huh?
What is most upsetting to me is this - Our Commander and Chief - the "Big Guy" of our country - the "Head" of our Military..... refuses to honor them..... I just cannot wrap my mind around that.. can you?

Let's Be Joyful

The Joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE! Philippians 4:4

God will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hand," declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:12

I love love this video - can't help but cry.... I'm just a big cry baby.. I guess

Direct TV vs Cable

We have cable TV in our home - always have.. We never thought about looking into a different system until now...... In the past three months our cable has been out eight (8) times.. No kidding - I am not a big TV watcher but when I have a show I want to watch - I expect to be able to watch it.... The other day - I had a show on HBO - I wanted to watch. I won't name it - too embarrassing.... when I went to turn it on - NOTHING... called the cable service and was on hold for eighteen (18) minutes - they advised me to reboot the box - I had done that before I called - they rebooted from their office - nothing... The soonest they could have someone out was three (3) days... no TV for three days!!!! My kids and husband freaked...

My neighbors have Direct TV and they love it.. The said that the Direct TV System was very easy to understand. In the past five years - they have Never been without service.. One of the important features we need is the DVR and sure enough that is apart of the Direct TV Service. My husband needs to record his golf on the weekends when he is busy golfing himself....

I am not the type of person to just take someone's word for something - especially when it costs me money.. I like to shop and compare.. I was able to learn everything I needed by going onto Direct TV's website. I didn't just take Direct TV's word for it - I called my cable company and asked them a few questions and they confirmed what Direct TV advertised...

One of the big things I learned is that Direct TV has more HD channels than our cable service - this is huge because we just purchased a new LCD/HD 60 inch big screen TV and watching a movie in HD is comparable to going to the movies.. better since we are at home!!!!- Directrv Service has a higher customer service rating - which I find very easy to believe.. and the difference in cost was substantially different. Direct TV was less expensive. Click here to be able to discover for yourself the price difference - with the 15 second directv quote...

I'm saying good bye to cable and hello to Direct TV..

My Want List

I want to be an approachable person..... I want to be the person that others feel comfortable with... I want to be seen in a positive light.. I want to be a beacon to others.. I want to be able to share my faith.... I want to love others unconditionally...
I want to always trust in God.... I want to be a prayer warrior.... I want my children to grow up to be followers of Christ... I want my husband to be proud of me... I want to go into the mission field.. I want to help in a shelter..... I want to see my kids have a happy life.... I want to be able to forgive completely... I want to feel comfortable being me.... I want to make a difference.... I want to not be shy.... I want to glorify God in all that I do....

What do you want?

My New Sister In Christ

I became friends with a wonderful lady about a year ago. She attends my Sunday school class regularly with her sweet husband. Now this lady is probably one of the most sweet and thoughtful people I have had the pleasure to know... She is the first one to give comfort when needed.... the first one to volunteer when needed.... She is the mother of two cute little girls.... She has the best shoe collection of anyone I have met - puts Carrie Bradshaw to shame... seriously... I only wish my feet were that tiny..

This loving beautiful person was fearful of accepting Christ as her Savior.. As I got to know her better - I learned that her life had been filled with a lot of tragedy.... abuse.... the supernatural.. and she was confused... I know several people would approach her and tell her she should be saved... I think it got to a point - where she was tired of people approaching her about her walk.... about her soul... about her salvation... and I think it might have pushed her away for a while...

I believe that the seeds had been planted.... and it was time for prayer..... I know there were many people praying for this incredible person..... A few weeks ago - God spoke to her.... she accepted God on her terms.. no one elses... she became a follower of Christ when she knew it with her heart and her mind, and her soul that is was the right thing for her to do.. No guilty pressures... Just her personal relationship with Him.... no one else.. and that is beautiful to me..

She told me on a Friday night at Bunco about her decision and that Sunday she was dunked..... My friend.... is now my sister in Christ......

Crazy Crazy Stressful Day

Do you ever have those days where - the day starts off slow.... and all of a sudden BAM - everyone needs you at the same time and everything is an emergency at the same time - you wish you had 20 clones who could help you out - knowing what you know.... The term "Running around like a chicken with my head cut off" comes to mind... crazy crazy stressful day.... and with that stress - comes the screechy voice - short temper - of the she devil of me.. Is that screeching I hear - really me???? scary stuff... and yes it was me.....

Now looking back on my day - it wasn't so bad..... I have my health.. my kids are doing great... my husband is super duper.... I have a home - plenty of food - friends... and the cause of my stress today - was three (3) new clients and six (6) new contracts - I should be jumping up and down at my added success but because I tend to be a perfectionist - I was stressed out trying to accomplish too many tasks and not delegating like I should.... that 's my control freak coming out.... I feel the need to do everything myself..... so today turned out not to be as good as it could have been...

Thankfully, I was able to meet with several of my friends tonight for dinner and conversation - we are planning different events for our women ministry - working tonight - gave me peace... Sharing my day.. my stress... their day.. their stress - takes the burden away.. There's something about women getting together that just helps to put things into perspective...

Jesus said, "Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20

Love Is Not Merely A Feeling

Love as distinct from "being in love" is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthen by habit; reinforced by (in Christian marriages) the grace which both partners ask, and receive from God. They can have this love for each other even at those moments when they do not like each other; as you love yourself even when you do not like yourself. They can retain this love even when each would easily, if they allowed themselves, be "in love" with someone else. "Being in love" first moved them to promise fidelity: this quieter love enables them to keep the promise. It is on this love that the engine of marriage is run: being in love was the explosion that started it. C. S. Lewis

Before I was married a good friend of mine also known as my sister, Debbie gave me some great advice... She said - every morning to make a commitment to love my husband that day - whether I wanted to or not..... She said to look in the mirror and say, "I will love Dusty today".. It was great advise... it would have been much better if I took it... It took me twenty (20) years to get it... Twenty years I wasted being a toxic wife..... and I wish I could have those twenty years back...

I am so thankful for the 2nd, third, and 578 chances to make it right... To make the choice to love.. It's funny - how really easy it is for me.... for us... Granted there are still many days that I just want to kick him in the butt for being a testosterone filled jerk and I sure there are times he's not too fond of my hormones either.. We fight... I yell and he has his great comebacks.. We have many different interests.. He loves sports... I can't stand to watch them on TV... He is always moving and doing something.. I like to sit and veg... He loves going to the swap meet - I love going to Macy's after Christmas sale.. but somehow in our differences we compliment each other...

Even when I don't like Dusty - I still love him..... That is in my opinion a sure sign of real adult love.. Love the way God intended us to love... Many times we are just not lovable... and still God loves us - warts and all. God does not love us because we are lovable but because he loves.. 1John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Today- I choose to love Dusty. I choose to show him love him unconditionally... the way I am suppose too... the way I want too.

Phil Collins playing Groovy Kind Of Love - our first dance over twenty years ago..

Evaporation In The Bible?

One of the things I have often heard from non-believers of God is that there is no scientific evidence to prove His existence. Many people prefer to believe in the evolution theory which in complete honesty blows my mind.... Believing in creation - makes sense.... Evolving from a single cell organism - does not make sense... Any hoo.... not the topic for this blog..... If You are interested in my thoughts on evolution you can go to "Not Teaching My Kid Evolution is Child Abuse?"

I ran across an article recently talking about the different scientific facts in the Bible. One of the facts in the Bible is about evaporation... I found this very interesting that books in the Bible that were written 1300-600 BC talked about evaporation... For centuries scientists did not understand the phenomenon that water evaporates from the ocean, collects in the clouds, and falls on the Earth as rain or snow....

Job 26:8 He binds up the water in His thick clouds, Yet the clouds are not broker under it...

Job 36:27-29 For He draws up drops of water, Which distill as rain from the mist, Which the clouds drop down And pour abundantly on man. Indeed, can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds

Another thing I found very interesting is that several hundred years before Christ, Isaiah wrote of the circular shape of the earth - Isaiah 40:22 It is He who sits above the circle of the Earth.

I ran across this video and I believe it's a good example of why people don't understand the Bible.. Why they don't believe the Bible.... and Why they refuse the Bible... When our own President tells our Nation that - The Sermon on The Mount was radical.. and many other out of context thoughts and analogies... It's down right sad... What do you think?

Making It Count For The Kingdom

A friend of mine called me on the phone today... I could hear so much sadness in her voice. I could tell that she did not want to go into detail about what was wrong - so I did not ask... What I did learn was that each family member was battling their own wars..... I wish I had the words or the power to take away her pain... I wish that this sweet and gentle friend's life was filled with constant joy and no sorrows..... But I got the feeling that is not what she wants..... I believe that in everything - good and bad.... My friend... my sweet dear friend is glorifying God with her actions and words... She told me today that "This too will pass".... She will use this lesson.. this sadness.. this challenge and she will make it count.... Make it count for God's Kingdom.. For God's Glory.. because that is the kind of woman she is.... The kind of woman I want to be...

Dear Friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you many be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 1 Peter 4:12-16

Discover ShopWiki.com

I can hardly believe that school is fast approaching... And following at lightning speed is Christmas.... yep I said the "C" word... Christmas Christmas Christmas... The happiest and most expensive time of the year... not to mention the most time consuming time of the year...

I try to avoid the mall at all costs from September 1st -- January 31. It's a madhouse and the prices seem to get higher and higher... Somehow I always miss out on the sales.... This year I am going to do it smart...

I have discovered a new way of shopping at my fingertips... It's awesome. There's a relatively new shopping search engine called ShopWiki.com. ShopWiki is similar to Google in that it crawls through every web site - so that every shopping site is crawled thorough looking for the most popular products with the best prices... - not just the ones that pay for placement but ALL the sites.... which means better deals for me.... and you.

I found the cutest pair of Uggs for my youngest daughter at a price that I was willing to pay. In addition to the Uggs - I was able to get her several other items - including this winter's ski wear for the slopes.

In my quest to get as much Christmas shopping done as possible - I started shopping for my young nieces who are two and four.. With my kids in their tweens - I did not have a clue as to what are the "hot" toys for toddlers. On ShopWiki.com I was able to read and compare different toys for toddlers. There was shopping guide - once I found the toys I liked - there were many stores to choose from...

There are many other areas in ShopWiki.com. You can find furniture for the nursery, Children books and games . Just about anything for your favorite kids for Christmas, birthdays, and school...

I know that ShopWiki.com had grown up stuff too!! That shopping I'll do next week... Check it out... I love finding good deals...

Bermuda Shorts And A Tee Shirt..

Last Sunday I realized that I can be a church snob... I am so ashamed of myself .. Our church has been searching for a new worship leader.. After 30 years of leading worship - our guy has stepped down and is getting ready to retire... and we have had several potential candidates come.... all of them have been outstanding.... There's something about starting a Sunday service by lifting up your voice in praise to Him...

Last Sunday, we had a young man who was invited by our pastor to come lead worship - he was a junior in college.... At first glance - I had my Christian Nose up in the air (shame on me) - I did not like the clothes he was wearing.... he had on a pair of Bermuda shorts and a tee shirt... I'm thinking to myself - doesn't this kid know he's in church???

This young man starts off the service by leading us in prayer..... Then he starts to sing.. and his partner starts to harmonize with him..... tears start coming to my eyes... Nothing could sound any sweeter... any richer.... I was humbled.... The entire service - I was a big teary baby....

God taught me a huge lesson on Sunday - a lesson I will never forget.....

What A Man Needs..

Don't you just love the title of this post - Sounds kind of ... I don't know... sexy? Funny maybe? Especially in a Christian Mom's Blog... Any hoo.... Yesterday, in my I've Become My Mother blog I wrote about a study I am doing in my Sunday school class called Men are Like Waffles and Women are Like Spaghetti - good book.. Of course, as my friend Tom pointed out there are many husbands out there that will do their fair share of the house work... many times more than their share.... kuddos to those men... my husband being one of them. But in all honesty - God created us (men and women) so very differently.... and in that difference we can be so blessed.... I love the fact my husband is a man's man.... I love the fact he is way more stronger than me... and many times much more logical then me... I run on emotions and he runs on facts that are black and white.... I use words like I feel this.... He uses words like - It is this.... Different sexes.... different views..... different communication skills... and in that difference - makes me feel (using that word again) like a woman....

In one of my study Bibles I ran across a marriage builder section written by Jim and Sally Conway - and I wanted to share it with you.

Communication between a woman and a man is very different from what happens when two women talk. When two women get together, they do a lot of explaining and restating until the other person understands what is being said. But a man may say something vague, such as, "I don't know. I guess my job is really tough." After making that short statement, he may drop it. His wife assumes it must not be a big problem since he didn't say more than two sentences. But she needs to pick up on the little phrase that he did say.. He's feeling a great loss, but he's not expressing it. Women need to listen to the small phrases that their husbands are saying and then respond accordingly. A man needs a wife who cares enough to listen to the brief, sometimes weak, signals that he gives off. And then respond with gentle questions to draw him out, not by taking the opportunity to describe her own struggles. When one spouse is drawn away by someone out of the marriage, it's usually not that he's being drawn by love. More often he drawn away because someone else showed they cared..

Please do not think I believe if I don't listen to my husband he will cheat - that is not what I am saying.. What I am saying is that we (husbands and wives) communicate differently and we need to learn (if we have not already)how each of us communicates..When we learn to understand each other better - what a glorious feeling.... there's that word again.... Understanding each other opens the door for much more happiness, tolerance, grace, and many more positive experiences.

Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor with the Lord.

One of my favorite quotes from The Love Dare is : A husband should listen to his wife and learn to be considerate of her unspoken messages. A wife should learn to communicate truthfully and not say one thing while meaning another..... that's a tough one

Modern Day Slavery Exists

Last week I had the privilege to be a voice for Human Trafficking at the Orange County Fair in Santa Ana, California.... I was not surprised to learn that many people had no idea what human trafficking was... I did not know until recently.. I did not know that Human Trafficking is a multi-billion dollar industry.. I did not know that Human Trafficking is the 2nd largest criminal activity.... did you?

Human trafficking is described as using violence or threats to coerce a person to work or perform sexual acts. Many of the victims are from Asia, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe... The traffickers will trick or force the victims into the United States... When the immigrants arrive - all their documents are taken and they can be physically or emotionally abused.... Unfortunately, these victims are afraid to go to the police - thinking that they will be arrested for being here illegally...

There are many industries that you can find human trafficking in Orange County - or any affluent US city or town.... include massage parlors, gentleman's clubs, nail salons, and many factories... Servitude and commercial sex are very profitable in these affluent areas - where there is a lot of disposable income...

Finding victims is very difficult..... We need to learn how to look for the signs of abuse.... The best defense against human trafficking lies in the hands of the general public... Many rescue cases are the result of residents reporting unusual activity followed by a police investigation. Recently a wealthy couple in Irvine, CA were arrested for enslaving a 12 year old Egyptian girl in their home and forced her to work as a servant. Community involvement is so important... All you need to do is call and report it and then you're done, you've done your part... the rest is up to the police...

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act, passed in 2000, was the first legislation to make modern-day slavery a federal crime with very harsh penalties for the offender..

Identifying human trafficking victims

Here are some tips from the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force on how to find and report someone you think may be a victim.

Signs to look for:Victims appear to be controlled, someone talks for them, they can't leave their jobs or they appear fearful and upset.

Report it:If something appears unusual, residents are encouraged to call the task force hot line at 888-3737-888. Calls can be anonymous.

What happens next: The task force assigns a victim manager who will review the case and help provide shelter, legal services and medical attention.

By the numbers

Here's a look at human trafficking numbers in Orange County, nationally and worldwide.

Victims worldwide: 600,000-800,000

U.S. victims: 14,500-17,500

California victims:Estimated at nearly 600

Orange County victims: 39 reported

To see a dramatic video of human trafficking here in our backyard - please visit the following link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNOBvmDkQoE