Character and Candor

The Standard

2011-10-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

Are you going through something?

If not Thank God. If you are Thank God.

Isaiah 59:19b When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.

I am so thankful for the WORD. Our standard, our weapon. The standard was and will always be Jesus Christ.

stan·dard (stndrd)
n.
1. A flag, banner, or ensign, especially:
a. The ensign of a chief of state, nation, or city.
b. A long, tapering flag bearing heraldic devices distinctive of a person or corporation.
c. An emblem or flag of an army, raised on a pole to indicate the rallying point in battle.
5. Something, such as a practice or a product, that is widely recognized or employed, especially because of its excellence.

Check out those definitions for STANDARD -
1. His banner over me is LOVE.
a. He is the ensign or standard-bearer. He bears the standard, He is the lead in my life.
b.HERALDIC??? History of and annoounces something to come! He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Our soon coming King, MIGHTY in battle.
c.He is the rallying point in ANY battle. Scattered in thought? Run to Jesus!
5. He bears the mark of excellence. ( I am so thankful that He does nothing half hearted)

Thank You God for raising up a standard. Thank you that I can run to the Standard. That when I feel overwhelmed, the wind and waves of the impending flood are about to consume me, YOU, Oh God, in Your love and might have raised up a standard against the enemy. The standard being your Son, Jesus! I am thankful that today and everyday I can trust, listen, obey and lean into You. I am so thankful that today You thwarted the enemy and his assignments! AMEN

The song on my heart this morning -

God you are my God
And I will ever Praise You
Oh, God you are my God
And I will ever praise You
I will seek you in the morning
I will learn to walk in your ways
Step by step you will lead me and I will follow you all of my days!

Don't Run

2011-08-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

I remember my wedding day like it was yesterday even though it has been 20 years and 54 days.

I remember my dad saying if you don't want to do this we can leave right now. LOL
I so wanted to say I do to Chris Waldmann. I remember saying our vows in such tender tones and feeling his lips against mine when the minister said, "you may kiss your bride". We then realized the ceremony was over and it was time to walk back down the isle together united. I remember watching the video later and cracking up because we practically ran down the isle together.

20+ years later we still experience tender touches, soft spoken tones and great timing.

We know how important our marriage covenant is and wish to make it stronger by attending marriage encounters like Romance Uncensored.
Enjoy the video and remember...

Don't Run...

Don't Run RU from Zach Lee on Vimeo.

Undivided

2011-04-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

James 1 from the message

2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
5-8If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.

James 1 from the NLT

2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

I know I put the same set of verses up there two times. I love to read the bible from multiple sources.

About a month ago when Steph was hopping out of the van at school. She said, "mom I got the perfect Cd for you to listen to". At first I was like oh no, because if you know Steph you know she LOVES music, ALL music and has made herself praise cd's, happy cd's...my point she names her cd's and it is like a signature for her mood or train of thought. She realizes that music can be mood altering. So I wasn't sure what message she was sending me that day until she shut the door with an "I love you, mom". As the cd started I was like what is this, Ha!It was the book of James dramatized. I listened to it over and over for weeks. Then I began to read it in different versions. I have prayed that God would renew my love for His word and He has. I don't wake or sleep without reading it. It is like water to my soul.

Little did I know then that it was setting the stage for the last two weeks in my life. It truly has made my mind be undivided. I am solely single focused on what God wants in this moment. My prayer is how can I show love today? In what way can I obey and bring you glory?

I have had "a sheer gift" the last two weeks and "an opportunity for great Joy". My prayers are focused on the Lord helping me to stay undivided. Chris said either we are doing something wrong or this is a testing of our faith. (knowing full well what he believed) I said well, hun I have no control over the car breaking down, auto accidents that result in the van being totaled, chicken pox, allergic reactions or medical opinions of what is wrong with me or death of loved ones. He said correct! So stand firm knowing that the trying of your faith is working out patience in your life.

It is truly settling to know that God is in this moment with me. I know to some of you I might sound totally silly. But I HAVE TO BELIEVE. All the songs, post and comments on facebook have been my true colors coming out and I pray that not to look good for you but ONLY that God be glorified in all of this.

In the last two weeks, God has also used people to speak these verses to me. I am thankful for the "warm hugs from God" as I call it. If I have said to you - Thanks for being Jesus with skin on, its because to me in that moment you represented Christ in an authentic way. Thank you!

I am undivided and my attention is set like a flint on only one....the lover of my soul, my savior, Jesus

Lift the Lid

2011-01-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I posted on Facebook and Twitter that I felt like a load of unbalanced towels in the washing machine. Ha! So I turned off everything, the computer, music and cell phone (I just didn't answer it). I was frustrated, tired and a bit torn. I kept chewing on the metaphor that came to me."Unbalanced load of towels in the washer."

I had a friend text me and I explained that only 2 things stop the annoying noise of an unbalanced machine.

1. You have to lift the lid.
2. You have to redistribute the load.

I continued chewing on this in respect to my day and load. Where did the feeling come from? Why was I feeling like the noise had become too much? Just shutting the machine off doesn't make it stop.
Let me explain.
For those of you that do laundry you know that if you let a wet load set for too long it will begin to stink. So just turning it off in the middle of a spin cycle doesn't fix the problem. You have to do something. It takes more effort than simply lifting the lid and stopping the machine.

I looked back at the text I sent several times. I noticed that the word lid for what ever reason was capitalized. Why did I capitalize that word? hahaha Well, immediately the phrase "law of the lid" came to me. I shrugged and realized God was speaking. So I began to think on it and pray.

For those of you that are unfamiliar with the phrase "law of the lid" let me explain it. John Maxwell is a leadership mentor to many people. He has written numerous books on leadership. The last one I read was Put Your Dream to the Test. A good book but one of my favorites is the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. The first law is the law of the lid. There is a lid on a person’s leadership ability and this lid determines their level of effectiveness. The lower a person’s ability to lead, the lower the lid on his leadership ability, and the lower his effectiveness. On the contrary, the higher the leadership ability, the greater the effectiveness.

I realized that day that as a parent some of my frustration in our home wasn't something that I needed to change in my children. I simply needed to lift my lid. All that needed to be done in our home I had taken back on and lowered the lid of effectiveness. I was doing things that they could do and my frustration was on me. I did it to myself. They should be given varying levels of responsibility. Accountability was were I was lacking in my "leadership lid". I realized that I not only needed to lift my personal lid but I also needed to redistribute the load.

So point number 2 - Redistribute the load
I had taken on the task that they were given and was left feeling overwhelmed and a bit of a bad parent. That day I realized that I had to redistribute the load. I couldn't keep doing everything and expect my kiddos to grow as leaders. The higher my lid, the higher they could/would grow. I saw an area of weakness in my holding them accountable to chores. I have to lift the lid and expect their best.

I looked at every aspect of my life, from my marriage to my parenting. My personal time with God to serving others. I saw other areas the lid needed to be lifted.

I used to sit in a chair in our living room every night and read my bible or books and study. My kids asked one time why I didn't do that anymore. I realized that they missed seeing me have my personal time. I was still reading and praying but at different times. (i.e. while they were at school) They still need to see me reading my bible.

The greater impact you want to make, the higher your lid needs to be. Fortunately, we can raise the lid by learning. I am still learning and I am thankful for the gentle nudge of the spirit that speaks in our daily lives.

When I turned off the noise of the world and gave my attention to the Lord I realized a few areas I lacked as a leader. I have lifted my personal lid and will continue to strive to keep it lifted higher than the little lids in which I am honored to raise in my home. I want to seize opportunities to assist my kiddos in lifting their lids in leadership.

Philippians 1:3-6 (msg)
Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present.There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.

It is my prayer that we would continue to seek God for every area of our lives. That we would believe what the verses above say for us and others. That what God began in us, that He will bring it to a flourishing finish. We will grow in Him.

The "F" Word

2010-12-27T09:01:00.000-08:00

Cute story from the Waldmann Kiddos-

Chris and I didn't want to buy the kids a game system this year because 1. We had a plan for why we bought gifts. 2. We wanted the things we bought to add value to them and to us as a family. 3. We didn't want it to be the ONLY thing they got. 4. We wanted them to earn and save the money for it. So we opted out of the frenzy. We didn't go broke, we didn't buy on credit and we had a wonderful Christmas sharing its true meaning with our kids.

We didn't realize that they would get the money they got or that if you want something bad enough you will pull your resources to get it. They pulled it together last night and Chris went out with them to get the game system.

Here is where it gets real funny. Chris text me and said they are killing me. HAha, I said honey if they can't make up their mind on which system to buy they come home for another day and wait.
Well a short while later hubby and three very happy boys come in with a PS3 and a few games. Here is the story of how this bliss came to be from the words of Chris.

Chris says, "Stacy you had to be there." I asked why. He said I went with the boys to the clerk and asked, "which system do you think is best?" The clerk replied, "if you ask me, PS3 but if you ask my kids Wii." Chris said, "Why is that? This is where the "F" word happens...my boys lean in, every word that drops from the clerks mouth is like life or death to thier hopes of a new PS3. The clerk continues, "well the graphics are fantastic on the PS3, but the Wii is more Family Friendly." Before Chris could say anything else, Caleb and I both said, "Dude, NOT the F word!" haha I knew as soon as Chris said that the clerk used the words family friendly...the boys thought that was the kiss of death to the PS3. ha! Chris contnued his story and we all laughed. I said, "Caleb, he didn't realize he was talking to the a children's pastor did he?"
We do value family time as ultimate time, worth more than any amount of money, irreplaceable. If not done, lost forever. Our kids value it as well, but they did NOT want a Wii and they knew that the clerk almost had dad when he used the F word.

Above all else, value your family. Spend time with them. Invest in it above anything else you deem worthy of time or money. It reaps rewards beyond our comprehension. We don't just say it, we live it. Enjoy your Family time the rest of this week in December and make more of an effort to pour into your family in 2011.

Much love-
Stacy

Living my story

2010-12-27T08:25:00.000-08:00

Anyone who reads my blogs on here or facebook knows that I eat, sleep, drink, say it, spray it and love the "orange" concept. What is orange for those of you who do not know? http://whatisorange.org/ Check it out. For me, orange is more than strategy, it embodies my idea for family and the way we learn and grow together. I share this with anyone who will lend me an ear and I will pull on it for hours at time. I am passionate about family.

Last night after returning from a great day with my mom and dad, 3 aunts, 1 uncle, 3 siblings, thier spouses and 17 grandchildren, I rested haha. Just kidding, I sat and thought about our story, and how it is quite an amazing one, a story of triumph this year as, my sister was given another chance at life, after suffering from a major stroke. I listened intently to one of my aunts, so thankful she was still here after losing all hope and nearly taking her own life. To now hear her talk of such hope and hear her plans for the future and how she is going to use her gifts and talents for the Lord - a true story of hope.
My other aunt, 6 years with a new liver, thankful for the donor's family and the fact she is still here. My uncle truly triumphant over cancer. My mom fighting hard against a battle that she was told will soon send her home to be with her mother, father, her aunts and uncles. It was bitter-sweet. To see how God has woven such an awesome tapestry together. How He has taken our lives like filthy rags and made such a beautiful piece of art, displaying His redemptive story. A story of grace, hope, forgiveness and ultimate sacrifice and love.

Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

I get caught up in the moments of how much love conquers loneliness and offers true peace. I let it overtake me when I see broken hearts and old wounds totally swollowed up by forgiveness. I am so blessed with familly. Every member playing a fabulous role in my personal story.
Yes, I am truly blessed. Its my prayer that every person, from every background, in every situation could come to a place and realize you were made for so much more and you have a story to tell. Live your story!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God is so good to us. He sent His son, Jesus to be born on this earth. He displayed such a love for us as a dear children. He gave His only son, so that we might live with Him for all eternity. Family is and was His idea. Our family tells a story, all of us tell a story. What's your story? If you don't like the character you are playing, you can change it. Don't like the current setting in which your story is unfolding, opt for a new one. You don't have to play the fool, the loser, the loner, the bad guy, the victim... Let God become chief editor of your story. I promise it will be better than any story you have ever read, heard or lived before now. It will become a living breathing story of redemptive grace, hope and love displayed through you.

Much love-
Stacy

Dreamsicle Orange 2.0

2010-10-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

No day like Sunday to talk about our dreams for children’s ministry and life.

I write a blog every December called “Between the Dreaming and Coming True”. It’s kind of nice to read it and reflect and see where I am. I will never forget a sermon I heard from Andy Stanley called Asking Big. I listen to it quite often. Are we honoring the size of our God by asking Big? If you can accomplish your dreams without God or a team chances are you are dreaming too small.

One of the dreams for my life was to take a missionary trip out of the country. This August that dream came true when I went to Haiti. We did 10 services in 3 cities and served 1000+ kiddos. I wrote a letter to my family and friends and God met me at the corner of faith and trust. I am dreaming of the day I take my 17 year old daughter there for her first trip next May as she ends her senior year of high school. She has a dream of being a missionary to Ecuador. I have a dream that Orange will be international. That God will lead orange leaders around the world to change the way families see Him and serve.

Another dream is to take children on missionary adventures. That dream came true August 2009. We took 10 kiddos to an Indian reservation in Kayenta, Arizona. In 2011, we will be taking more children on their first adventure to Montana. It is my hope that through missions their faith would be ignited. That they would serve without fear or reservation.

I dream of a day when parents lead their children to the Lord. Two Sunday’s ago a gentleman that started attending our church about 2 months ago, was in the main service and our Lead Pastor asked him who led him to the Lord? They sent someone to our preschool room and asked his 5 year old daughter to join her daddy on stage. It was then he introduced his hero to the congregation– his 5 year old daughter led him to the Lord.

I dream of a day when everyone in our congregations would realize their gifts and talents and they would no longer hide them. That they would serve with passion and many would come to know the savior.

I pray and hope that my 5 children would find their purpose and realize their God given talents early in life that they would be life long followers of Christ. I have the privilege of leading children to the Lord every week. If my own children were to never find the Lord and their purpose that would be an Epic fail.

I pray and dream of all the children’s ministers in my community working together. So that we could sharpen each other and encourage one another in the work that we are called to and it is happening one connection at a time. I love serving a Big God. He answers and longs for us to dream bigger. To dream of things that only He can do.

Orange is His idea!

I am still between the dreaming and coming true!

Resources at Orange Conferences #thinkorange

2010-10-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

The resources at Orange conferences are unbelievable. I bought a lot of books but one book that I didn’t buy was Collaborate by Michael Chanley (and many others) . I didn’t buy it because I waited too long and they sold out. So, how did I get the book? I won it! Twitter became a very valuable tool during and since Orange10. Kenny Conley had one copy left that I won by heading up to the Orange Leaders Lounge and finding him. My husband also won a comic book and Lads CD. All he had to do was tell Kenny that he too didn’t like Avatar. LOL

One of the many books I did buy and read was A Million Miles In A Thousand Years by Donald Miller. It was a fantastic book. I plan to reread it again this week. The Goff family was one of my favorite families in this book. The story about Iron Mike was very moving also.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is –

“A good storyteller doesn’t just tell a better story, though. He invites other people into the story with him, giving them a better story too. “

The book truly is a must read. I read it aloud to my whole family on a three hour car ride. I choked back tears, I stopped to explain and I listened while my kiddos asked me questions and answered mine. That day was one of my favorite family days sharing together as we read about how to live a better story.

Donald Miller was a great speaker at Orange10. He has a project going right now to save Blue Like Jazz the movie. You can check it out here – http://savebluelikejazz.com/

As #kidmin we have the high honor of sharing an Epic story every Sunday. God has invited us to be storytellers but not only storytellers, characters in the story. Are you inviting families and children to become part of the story? When we do invite them to be part of the story it will change them forever!

The resources were great tools I still use since Orange. I love getting the packages from Orangeleaders. They are always awesome surprises.

Michael Chanley, founder of cmconnect.org has also just launched a new resource for all of us #kidmin called imakidmin.com it is a great tool to find other #Kidmin that are close to you. I look forward to networking with other #kidmin by using this tool.

The lights are on but nobody is home. #kidmin

2010-09-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

Long before Orange Conferences and before the book Think Orange there was Reggie Joiner. I will never forget going to a #kidmin conference in Tulsa, Ok. called Dream. My mentor in books and tapes, Jim Wideman was the children’s pastor at COTM. The general session speaker that night was Reggie Joiner. It was the first time I had ever heard about yellow and red in the context of #thinkorange. I totally knew that when you mix the two colors you get Orange. *Smile* I listened intently as Reggie used the lamp, the orange cones and the gumballs (3000/40). He talked about the lamp stand’s purpose in the temple. The purpose of the lamp stand in the temple was to illuminate the table of shew bread. It was the job of the priest to make sure the lamp never burned out. It was their job to make sure the lamp never moved. The lamp or the color yellow symbolizes the church. It reminds me of how Reggie explained our purpose as the church. We are to illuminate the word of God. If we move the lamp to illuminate our programs we lose purpose and we lose effectiveness. As the church we have one goal and that is to illuminate the word of God. By illuminating the word, God will draw all people unto Himself.

Have you ever heard the phrase – “The lights are on but nobody is home?“ I have but it was used in a bad ”blonde joke” kind of way. This idiom reminds me of the stance most children’s pastors take and families for that matter. The lights are on. As #kidmin we are doing our job. We are shining. We are pouring into the life of a child BUT nobody’s home is our thought. What happens when the child gets home? Is there anyone there speaking into their lives? Some families believed that we (#kidmin) were the only ones equipped for the job of spiritual leadership in the life of their child. I believe that parents love their children and want only the best. That is where red comes in to play. Red symbolizes the heart of the home. It’s not that nobody is home it’s that most parents don’t feel qualified to lead their child spiritually. I believe it was out of that need that Orange was birthed. It was to shed light (pun intended) on the fact that we are to partner with families. We are to so mix yellow with red that all anyone sees is Orange. It is not yellow against red or red is better than yellow or vice versa. We are to unite with one end in mind and that is to reach generations and help them become the spiritual champions that God intended. We are to be mentors in the lives of the families we serve.

I want to say thank you to Reggie Joiner and the whole #thinkorange team for continually stretching me as a #kidmin. Thank you for continuing the conversation.

Thank you also to Bro. Jim Wideman for being one of the leading influences and mentors in my life.

oRANGE

2010-09-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

I keep seeing words within words and it’s speaking to me. Ha! Ok stay with me for a few short moments.

Thinking orange encompasses a few different areas but I want to talk about the one that has been on my heart the most and that is – Integrate Strategy. What is strategy? a plan of action with the end in mind. An integrated strategy is aligning leaders and parents to lead with the same end in mind.

Maybe that is why the word RANGE popped off the page today when I was thinking about the Orange marathon among Orange leading #kidmin.

Check out the definitions of range –

1. Range

a. Extent of perception, knowledge, experience, or ability.

b. The area or sphere in which an activity takes place.

c. The full extent covered: within the range of possibilities.

d. A place equipped for practice in shooting at targets.

When I spend time thinking about Orange and how to make it more than a catch phrase at vision team meetings or the color of our ministry shirts; I think about letter (a) of the definition - Extent of perception, knowledge, experience or ability

Am I conveying the message clearly? Do parents grasp the importance? How can I better convey the impact that they possess in the lives of their children? Do they truly understand that there are 8760 hours a year in which the average parents get 3000 to influence the life of their child and I get 40? Do I equip parents and other leaders in kid’s ministry with the knowledge and tools to work together?

I know lots of questions.

How is my training time going with the team that works with me every Sunday? Have we made it the best hour of every kid’s week?

That leads me to letter (b) the area the activity takes place. We get one hour a week and out of 52 weeks a year we may get 40. I would dare say I only get about 25 hours a year. The area or sphere is which the influencing happens is at home. I believe deep in my heart that two combined influences have the greatest impact. In saying that strategy is where it’s at.

Which leads me to letter (c) the full extent covered; a range of possibilities! I know that the end in mind for my own children is that they become fully devoted followers of Christ and that they love and serve with reckless abandon. I believe that the parents that bring their children into Kid’s ministry at CLC want the same.

The home and the church make me think about letter (d) a place equipped where our “arrows” can shoot at the target. The target or end in mind being fully devoted followers of Christ. I need to better equip my parents and my team with the end in mind.

I love my team, my parents and their children (or little arrows). St. Louis Blues fan's say they bleed blue. #kidmin should bleed orange!

dRAMa

2010-09-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

As I was thinking about how much I hate drama and how it hurts innocent people; I saw a word within the word – Ram. For a moment I was thrown back, RAM. So, like always I did a word study. Words can bring life and death to any situation. Thus the reason I really want to know the meaning to every word.

We are all guilty of paying for entertainment in the form of a good movie or drama. The drama I am talking about is not on the big screen or the flat screen. It’s in homes and between families. It is vengeful, hurtful and leaves long lasting scars. It doesn’t hit or RAM its intended target at all, it hurts the innocent. The ones we AIM to protect are the very ones that get impinged in the battle. What is the battle all about? Really, I take the side of the innocent. I will not pick up the flying words that get hurled or used to ram another. This is my stand on drama. I stay silent and I realize that in silence I am not helping the hurting.

Look at the definition of ram –

: to strike with violence, to make compact (as by pounding), : to force passage or acceptance of : to strike against violently

Your words bring life or death. What are you speaking? About your ex? About your kids? About your boss? About the neighhbor? etc. Seriously, our children hear everything, even the unspoken sighs, gestures…our body language screams. Choose life! Speak life!

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Love drama? Then you eat the fruit of destruction. A ramrod is used to bring about destruction. (to load a charge in a firearm)

In your fight for who’s right, you lose the battle. Stop clamoring! It is time to stop and come together. I always get deeply hurt by drama. I love both “flame throwers”. I realized a long time ago though, if I am going to die for a cause it better be a cause worth dying for. I will die to bring peace. I will die to self. I will die(or silence) myself even if I believe I am right. I will love others. I will esteem their needs above my own. I will love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength AND love my neighbor.

Will you?

Stop the drama at home,
at work,
in your church,
in your neighborhood.

How do you stop it? Do something to show the other person you value them,

Stop the gossip, no really I mean don't listen to it or start it or continue it.

Matthew 5:9
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

Hero Mentality

2010-08-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

Funny how something will cause a surge of thoughts. What is my purpose? What was I called to do? What is my plan?

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Jeremiah 29:11

Plans, purpose, future...I am not the only one to wrestle with these words. They are powerful. Now lets add God's plans and for some reason we can get twisted and turned about. God has plans for me? There is something so awesome about that and comforting. I seriously don't understand why we struggle with it. I'm also pretty sure that I am not the only one to pray and ask and ask and pray - What am I suppose to do for you? Ok, are you ready I know what I'm suppose to do. I know what you are suppose to do. I know God's plan...It is the same for all of us. Really??!? yes, Really. It is found right here.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19
GO! He wants us all to GO. Go where? When? Haha we always seem to have a million questions for God.
Go now! Where? In your community, at your workplace, in your school...where ever your feet walk you are to wear the shoes of peace and Go, make disciples.
That is God's plan for all of us. We all have different gifts, talents, abilities, trades but we all have one mission.

Love God, Love Others and Serve all. It really is that simple.

Jesus went on to say ...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20 Surely I am with you always!

I read this billboard on the interstate all the time and everytime I kick my self..."What would you do if you knew your plans couldn't fail" -God

I kick myself because I have what I call "Hero Mentality". We all do. We strive and go and do everything in our own strength. We fail. We strive. We fall. We pray. Why do we wait til we fall to pray? Because everyone wants to be a hero. You want to do something good. Something that matters. Something that will be eternal. Something that someone will remember about you long after you've passed away. We all dream and dreaming is good. But dreaming alone is like a stall pattern.Stall, run out of gas, crash and burn. We have to put faith to our dreams! Faith is the fuel that gets the plane off the ground. When we put faith with our dreams and we do what Proverbs 16:3 says -
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Jesus was the ONE and only Hero. He simple ask that we Go and tell our family, friends, acquaintances, co workers, classmates about His great love. We are not Hero's. We are servants. Servants of ALL.
Ephesians 6:6-8(KJV)
6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
We know what we are called to do. We are called to action. Go!
We know where to go - everywhere, look for opportunities - gas station, resturant, school, work...Haiti, Mexico. When He makes away for you to go, You need to obey and GO!
I have come to the realization that it doesn't matter if anyone remembers me after I am gone. What matters is whether or not they know the Lord, the only one that can save and change thier lives forever.
Commit your tomorrow to the Lord. Pray and remember that He has commisioned every believer with one Mission - Love God, Love Others, Serve All.

Living a better story...

2010-07-22T15:24:00.000-07:00

I didn't get the purpose of the blog at first but the more I thought about the book, "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" and listened to the video it clicked.
I want to live a healthier lifestyle. I would love to be able to be in shape and enter a triathlon. The problem with that is I am grossly out of shape and can't swim. After reading the book it became a catalyst to put some things in motion. I decided to not remain in a victim mentality to my father-less past. I have taken two swim lessons. Still feel I am not going to overcome my fear of the depth of water. I want to be able to jump off a pier to say goodbye like the family in the book. I am tired of allowing things to cause a stall pattern in my life. I am tired of my thought life ruling me and my circumstances writing my story. I am endeavoring to go on my first missionary trip to Haiti in August. I almost let finance stop me from trying. I wrote a letter about my heart for the children in Haiti and the finances are coming in. I will be going to Haiti in August! My husband and I both want to live a better story by first overcoming our schedule driven lifestyle. We both would like to establish an orphanage/school in Haiti. The obstacles seem insurmountable. I know that this conference would give us the tools for changing the characters, we want to edit the story before the final draft is published. We can all live a better story.

Thanks for the book,
Stacy

donmilleris.com/conference

Living a Better Story Seminar from All Things Converge Podcast on Vimeo.

Time Flies...

2010-05-29T15:08:00.001-07:00

Everyone has heard the old addage Time flies when you're having fun!

Usually I take a retro look back on my life every December as I look at another year since my birth and a new year. For some reasonIi have been looking back the last week, I know some would say, "Don't look back, you'll turn to a pillar of salt". HA! I'm not looking back for one second wishing to restart, redo or relive. I'm not looking back for any reason but to see where i was and where i am. Realizing that God is faithful and I am so very blessed.

Next Tuesday, (June 8th) I will celebrate 19 years of marriage to my friend. We have lived together longer than we lived at home now. :) We have traveled the East Coast, Midwest and look forward to checking things off our mutual bucket list in the coming years.

We've shared ten years in military service. I was a proud Navy wife. Nothing like a submarine pulling in to the pier after a long cruise(deployment for my army friends). Sharing and parenting five of God's most precious gifts. We have loved every minute of our parenting and still do. We have shared an amazing lifetime together and feel like we are truly only beginning. Beginning to live out God's dream and vision for our life.

Speaking of my children, time has truly flown. Stephanie is a senior this August, Stephen a junior, Caleb an 8th grader, Kirsten 6th and Joshua 4th. I remember all of thier toddler years. I remember the homeschooling days. loosing teeth, the first boyfriend, so many milestones. I am excited for them. They are doing so well and learning so much about life and change, God, relationships and finance.

While looking back, i have also glimpsed at the future. Next year

- to my friend and husband - we celebrate 20 years of marriage
- to my oldest child - I can't believe you will graduate and start college in only one year!!!
- to all my friends who were classmates - we will celebrate 20 years in 2011! Crazy to think - 20 years!

I am living an awesome life, not free from junk I just try to not focus on the negative. Here is a verse that brought about peace.

1 John 3:18
My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.

I love God, my husband, children, friends new and old...I love life!!!

Don't let life or its worries consume you...live it to the fullest!

Much Love
Stac

Between the Dreaming and Coming True part 3

2009-12-31T02:32:00.000-08:00

This look back is a bit later in December than normal.

For my new readers this is a retrospective look at my life. A survey of 2009 or A Year in the Life of Stacy Marie Waldmann, all possible titles but I have stuck with Between the Dreaming and Coming True…part 3.
I started this retrospective look 3 years ago. It was a way for me to look at the blessings and to share my year with friends and family afar off. It is a way for me to see things that were once a dream, now a dream come true.

Another year, Love it!

As always, my look back leaves me feeling very blessed and a bit inexplicable.

We have been serving at CLC for two years now. WOW! So much happens in a year and yet it seems to fly by so fast. Some things take your breath away and others add wind to your sails.

As a child, I learned to walk with my parents holding both my hands. As an adult, God still has me by both hands. He never lets go! That is what I learned in 2009. I learned to really take Him at His word. Whether you are walking in a really wide path or feel you are on a tight rope, He has you by both hands. He never lets go! Deuteronomy 31:8 GOD is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you. Don't be intimidated. Don't worry."(The message)
Hebrews 13:6Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote,
God is there, ready to help;
I'm fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?

With each blow that knocks the air out of me, whether I speak from my relationship with family and all its revelation this year or in disappointment with life, ministry or just in myself; God is always there to breathe life back into every situation. I rest in that. I will not go through every up and down with you this year, I will only say that I am blessed. My look back isn’t in longing. I don’t long for things of yesterday or even an hour ago. I long for right now. I think in my top five quotes for the year this one ranks number 1 – “where ever you are, be there 100%”.

The more I seek you, the more I find you by Kari Jobe is what I am listening to at this moment. As I continue this retrospective look, let me assure that in all my ups and downs, all the joys and in all the hurts of 2009…I know, that I know He is! He is everything to me. Most of you are dear friends and some of you think it is nice that I believe but you don’t. I would like to say, to each thier own and it’s cool. But every year, I sit writing this and I think…what if today, what if in an hour, in moments I no longer existed. I came to my end on this earth and I knew I only had this blog or note to express my love for you as dear friends, what would I say? Would I tell you the truth as I know it? See here is what really messes with me. If you are right and there is no God. Then I come to my end; I’ve lost nothing believing and living my life as a Christ follower. But if what I believe to be true is that there is a God and He did send His only son that you could have eternal life does exist and you come to your end and are lost, you lose everything and that grieves me. If I love you, I would spend my last dime telling you, my last breathe, all my energy…so that you would know.

I understand that you and I are on a journey but have you thought about its end? For some of us, we believe it just ends but for others the end is only the beginning.

I have taken much for granted. In an attempt to find balance, my pendulum has swung wide in both directions. What I have realized is that timing has much to do with everything. Anything before its time won’t taste good. Ever eaten a somewhat green banana? Yuck! Anything after its time won’t taste good. Try giving a brown banana to a child. Even they know it looks gross. HA! Fruit in season is the best. Timing is everything. I have learned that it is His timing that matters.

One of my dreams that came true in 2009 was to not only go on a mission trip but take kids with me. Kayenta was a catalyst for me this year to dream bigger and believe more. It not only enlarged the borders of my thinking and belief system, it allowed me to see the God of wonders in a very personal way. I think most people would say that you go, pray, work and hope to encourage those you serve. For me I went, prayed, served, worked and shared but was so encouraged by the ones I served. They left their mark on my heart. I still pray for them and the team I went with.

2010 for me means purpose. I’m determined to live everyday on and with purpose. I am determined to take nothing for granted.
Hebrews 13:16 Make sure you don't take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of "sacrifice"—that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.

I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams. I have a wonderful, caring husband. I have 5 kiddos, 3 of which are teenagers and I love every minute of it. I am seizing every opportunity to live, share and mentor them. They are only ours for a moment and then the moment is gone. Make the most of whatever season you find yourself in, it is only there to prepare you for the next. We are in the summer of our lives and loving it! I still pledge to help them learn to soar without clipping their wings. If I do my job right they will do more and be more than I could ever have dreamed for God and others and that my friends is a legacy worth having.

Ephesians 3:20 (The Message) God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

I am thankful for everyone that the Lord has allowed to cross my path in 2009.
To all my family, friends and acquaintances - Happy, blessed New Year!

Primal - A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity

2009-12-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

Primal – A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity by Mark Batterson

There were moments I inhaled every line and then there were moments where I had to put it down, just to slow down.

I believe this to be at the top of my list for books I have read in 2009. I have read more than a dozen.

I believe Mark took the Great Commandment and helped me remove everything preconceived and bring it back to its Primal meaning. Amo Dei – Love God
You will find things that speak to you as you read the pages of Primal. I did, things like the counterfactual theory, a drop in the bucket, chickens for children, bricks on concrete, sweat equity and so many more.

I read some of it aloud to my children and have talked about it too many in my circle of influence.

The Strength of Christianity or part 4 made my heart ache and my soul cry out. I believe that this is a book that should go in the hands of every new believer. I also believe that this book should go into the hands of those who have been in churches for years. It is time to rediscover the greatest command Christ ever gave to us in its purest essence.

This should be the last book you read in 2009 or the first book you read in 2010. Then don’t keep it to yourself, share it with others. I am.

“Compassion, wonder, curiosity and energy are nouns. Its our job to turn them into verbs. It’s our highest calling and our greatest privilege.” – Mark Batterson
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421319

Oh look, I wanna touch it

2009-09-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here enjoying this fall evening with my family. We are watching one of my all time favorite movies.... Finding Nemo

You know you can use anything to teach your kids a timeless truth.
That reminds me of a great quote from one of my mentors.

We must use what is cultural to say what is timeless

Reggie Joiner from the book Nuturing the Leader within your Child written by Dr. Tim Elmore

So, we are laughing and quoting our favorite scenes as they come up and it hits me...Hit pause Stacy and tell the kids a timeless truth. This film will be something to help etch this truth in thier lil hearts and minds.

Before you watch the clip, lets look at what I said...
I said that is so what the Bible says sin is like in Hebrews 11:24-25 (New Living Translation) It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.

In this clip, which is very funny by the way, you see Dory and Marlin in the dark. All of the sudden there is a bright light. - It looks pretty Dory says, "I wanna touch it". The light lures them in and then the really big scary teeth appear.

I told my kiddos that the devil has a conterfeit "light". He makes it look really good. We call that fake light - sin. He lures you in and before you know it you want to touch it. In the verse above, I explained that the bible says that sin can be pleasurable for a season, but its end is distruction. It looks pretty but before you know it, the big scary teeth are there...sin will also bite you. It can destroy you.

First thing I told them is when in the dark We should be the light! Matthew 5:15"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Second you can't hide sin -
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy (Pr. 28:13).

Third- Don't follow the crowd
My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them (Pr. 1:10).

Be the leader and the light!
The only way to not fall for the fake light is to read your bible.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.

The Nines

2009-09-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

In Nine minutes tell me one thing you think I need to know, have to know to grow in ministry.

One thing that will spark study.
One thing that will intrigue me enough to investigate it further.
One thing that will make me reThink. (plugging a mentor)
One thing that will provoke dialouge among my team.

I had nine minutes several times over during the FREE online conference called the Nines. It was hosted by Leadership Network and Catalyst.
I took over 25 pages of notes. I listened with intent and an open heart and mind. To me it was like pulling up a chair and having coffee with several people of like passion.
I was stretched yet tethered. I would catch myself leaning in, hanging on words and wanting to hit pause to soak it in. I would text my lead pastor with quotes. He was listening in as well.
One of my favorite, and there was several speakers was Reggie Joiner. He champions the cause for children's and family ministry. He became someone I followed to gleam from years ago when I heard him at Dream. After his nine minutes I grabbed my bible and dug into Nehemiah. I also ordered his new book Think Orange and it came today in the mail.
I found myself wanting to hear more from some and yet there were a few I welcomed the bathroom break. I watched for almost 7 hours. 7x60=420 minutes. The breaks at the top and bottom of the hour helped me to collect my thoughts and glance at my notes to make sure I could read my short hand later.
I am looking forward to the videos and notes coming soon from each speaker. There is a few I will wear out by replaying.
I would love to go to catalyst but can't afford to get there this year. The Nines was my catalyst for 2009.
Thanks Leadership Network for a great FREE online conference.

11 indispensable relationships you can't be without - Leonard Sweet

2009-04-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

11 indispensable relationships you can't be without - Leonard Sweet

I am almost done with this book and I find myself thumbing toward the beginning instead of end. A friend and leadership mentor handed it to me and said, "I think you would like this." It has been a great read. I am caught up by the cast of characters he describes. Some of them are Jethro, Jonathon, Deborah, Timothy, but one that I found most fascinating is Rhoda. Where Sweet poses the question, Who is your little one? It is insightful and engaging. I will leave you with this thought and a question Leonard Sweet poses in his book. Who are you taking with you on your journey toward your destination? Each chapter ends with an interactive section. It could be used in any small group or Sunday school class.

One of favorite quotes in the book is "if you can't get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance." - George Benard Shaw

The stimulus package

2008-12-24T07:10:00.000-08:00

I have become a fan of the Message bible. I love how it reads. I was listening to an online sermon and the series was ... He started reading from 2 corinthians 8. I loved what he read. As always, I look it up for myself and read it in KJV, NIV and the Message. As I am reading through, the words...Pleading for the Privilege pop off the page. When is the last time we pleaded for the privilege to help?? Here is the set of verses from the message bible.

2 Corinthians 1-4Now, friends, I want to report on the surprising and generous ways in which God is working in the churches in Macedonia province. Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. I was there and saw it for myself. They gave offerings of whatever they could—far more than they could afford!—pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians.

When is the last time we gave more than we could afford for the cause of Christ and seeing others come to know him? Pressure triggered and unexpected outpouring of generous gifts. I think we all know pressure and this set of verses talks alot about their character. When is the last time your trial exposed your true colors and those colors being pure and generous?? Have any of us ever pleaded for the privilege of helping the poor?

Much later it talks about how this church repsonded the way they did and how we as a the body of Christ could find ourselves responding in the same manner.

5-7This was totally spontaneous, entirely their own idea, and caught us completely off guard. What explains it was that they had first given themselves unreservedly to God and to us. The other giving simply flowed out of the purposes of God working in their lives. That's what prompted us to ask Titus to bring the relief offering to your attention, so that what was so well begun could be finished up. You do so well in so many things—you trust God, you're articulate, you're insightful, you're passionate, you love us—now, do your best in this, too.

I pray first that we would give ourselves UNRESERVEDLY to God and our leaders. Because then I believe our giving will flow out of the purposes of God working in our lives.
With the economy the way it is. There are those of us that the pressure has caused us to once again focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Christ birth. Others of us, sad to say are still spending more than we have. Buying gifts we can't afford and will be deeper in debt come Janurary. In the next set of verses he uses the word Stimulus and I thought about some others that are counting on a new stimulus package.

8-9I'm not trying to order you around against your will. But by bringing in the Macedonians' enthusiasm as a stimulus to your love, I am hoping to bring the best out of you. You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us—in one stroke he became poor and we became rich.

In one stroke he became poor and we became rich. WOW We are rich whether we believe it or not. We have all things in Christ. Every good and perfect gift comes from God. Have you accepted his good and perfect gift???

I will end with this thought. Scripture says that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks...I like how this verse ends. Looks like what's in the heart motivates all we do.

10-20So here's what I think: The best thing you can do right now is to finish what you started last year and not let those good intentions grow stale. Your heart's been in the right place all along. You've got what it takes to finish it up, so go to it. Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can't. The heart regulates the hands.

Do what you can, not what you can't!

Much love and prayers
Merry Christmas!
Stacy

Don't Diss Me

2008-12-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

I wrote this months ago and decided to post it here.

discourage : to deprive of courage or confidence
dishearten :to cause to lose spirit or morale
Disfavor :the state or fact of being no longer favored
The list goes on and on...DIScredit, DISadvantage, DISapproval, DISlike, DIScord, DISsonance, DISdain, DIStraught, DIStrust, DISrespect,DYSfunctional, DISsociate, DISunite, DIScharge, DISmiss...and on and on.

Go ahead and take a look as these meanings.

http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm0tdy5jb20=
Dis is more than a prefix for pain it has become a word in our english language. Look at the definition below.
Diss - 1slang : to treat with disrespect or contempt : insult2slang : to find fault with : criticize
Have you ever felt dissed? In one way or another I am sure we all have. You may have even been told you were disliked, disadvantaged or dismissed at one point in your life. Maybe you have been discredited, discouraged or disheartened. Please stick with me, I am not a doctor but I know one and He has a prescription for your pain. If you will take one dose a day I think you will find your way from distrust to trust and from dislike to like. It all starts with maybe an instance or situation. Take one of my life stories...I was about 6 or 7 years old and my grandmother would call me her dumb blonde, now she meant it affectionately, but listen to what I heard and follow my diagnosis and you will see why treatment was needed. Words will mold and shape us, especially when we speak them to ourselves. Words are powerful. She would always love me and hug me. I knew she loved me, but somewhere along the way, I felt very dumb. These words were only compounded when I quit school in the 11th grade to help my family with their finances. I went to work full time. I would hear those words even years later. I was homeschooling my own children and I would hear thoughts like "you can't teach them, you didn't even finish yourself." With the help of a friend that the Lord sent to ENcourage me I went back to school and finished. I was almost 28 years old and I don't listen to those thoughts any longer.
The thoughts were not verbalized until I started speaking the same things to myself. This was one of my first prescriptions I had to take several times a day.
2Corinthians 10: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;)

A stronghold is nothing more than stinking thinking. I had to not only capture every thought before it became something I believed; I had to put truth in its place. Instead of being held captive by your thoughts you should instead hold your thoughts captive. What does Christ have to say about the situation or thought that you are letting hold you?

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The reason there is a list of things to think on is because it is up to us. We choose to think on the negative things in our lives, world, job or we choose to think on the things listed above. If we are not careful we will add to our discouragement, discontentment, which will lead to dislike, distrust, disrespect and ultimately discord and dissonance. That is why it is so important to take your daily dose of 2Peter 1:5-8.

2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I think we all need blinders and bridles.
blind·er 1: either of two flaps on a horse's bridle to keep it from seeing objects at its sides.
We are not to look at the left or right but straight ahead. Do they have those in my size?? Not only do we need a bridle for our mouth, so it doesn't speak the junk we think, but we need to shield our eyes as well. A thought doesn't become a belief until we allow it to drop from our head to our heart. The physician I have spoke about is God, the reason his word has the cure for what ails us is He is also our creator. The author and finisher of our faith.
I am not going to allow the enemy to DISS me anymore, nor am I going to allow anyone else to do the same. See I have learned it is up to me. I choose what stays a thought and becomes a belief. So do you!

Don't be Dissed anymore- stop finding fault with yourself or others.
Also if I can add one more thought to all the parents that may read this...be careful what you speak over your children. Even the most well intended thing can cause harm if that is all they ever hear and later believe.
I love you all and pray for you all.

Treasures on earth

2008-11-25T09:03:00.000-08:00

There is a verse in the bible that says in Matthew 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal."

You know I was looking at a peice of artwork with an attached story that Kirsten wrote for school. It doesn't have a title but I would love to title it something like "Treasure on earth" or "Honor" or "Childhood Hero's". HA! I just love what is written from the prospective of my almost 10 year old little girl.

I guess I have been sentimental for a few weeks now. The end of the year for us is alot of celebration. We string our days together like garland on a Christmas tree. It goes from Caleb's birthday to Thanksgiving, my birthday, Steph's birthday, Kirsten's birthday, Christmas, New Year's and finally Chris' birthday. I always used to think that it was just my birthday that brought about so much reflection. The older I get, I realize that I see everyday reflections of myself in my children.

So for the next few weeks I may be writing about some of these reflections, inward and out.

Kirsten age 9 (12-22-98) writes-

My mom is miraculous. Here are some things about her. She has brownish blonde, bright and straight but curly on the bottom hair (poor kid doesn't know really, I change it often) Her eyes are blue like the snow on a snowy day. (All her siblings say they've heard of yellow snow but BLUE?) She has a gorgeous bright lit up smile.

She usually, like right when I walk in the door, says, " hi, how was your day? " When we are alone she says, " what do you want to do together?" When I act funny she says," I love you so much you know that?"

She babysits every day besides the weekends. She also lets us do lots of sports. When we are not at school she teaches us lots of new things still. :)

I love my mom to death. I think she is amazing and talented. NO, I know she is amazing and talented.

PS. I hope you like it.
By Kirsten W.

So this is one treasure on earth that I am saving. The picture she drew of us side by side standing between trees, is adorable. I love their art work and wish I could save it all. With five children it is nearly impossible. But as my eldest daughter Steph is quickly approaching womanhood, I see myself stopping to capture more moments. I have quite a collective memory of each one of my five children.

Enjoy them! They grow up way too fast.

Reckless Abandon

2008-11-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

Reckless - 1 : marked by lack of proper caution : careless of consequences

Abandon -1 a: to give up to the control or influence of another person or agent b: to give up with the intent of never again claiming a right or interest in

I have been reading a book and I tell you that it wrecked havoc on my life, heart, emotions and very will. Some of you are thinking...the Bible. Honestly I wish I could say it was so. I have been reading the book by Craig Greoschel called IT. It is a must read for those of you who want IT, think you have IT or have lost IT. IT points straight to God and his words. IT is not a substitute for God's word (Bible). As I read it I was drawn in by the transparency of the author. I felt myself starting to let down my guard in the comfort of my living room and let God use what he had wrote to stir me. The stirring quickly moved to wrecking me. The holy spirit was etching away at the mortar of the walls I built to protect myself from vulnerability and hurt. What I knew deep in my heart was the very walls I built to protect myself were now holding me captive. I wanted to be free again but at what cost. I knew that Christ paid the ultimate price and I knew that where much is given, much would be required. I have had to face alot of things lately. HUGE things in my life, things that I had suppressed so that they would never hurt me again. I didn't realize that just like magic shell, I thought it was just a warm covering...it did seem to sooth the hurt but just like that I was shelled. I had so disconnected myself from the emotions that needed to be dealt with that now I couldn't shed tears. I could only feel anger and hurt start to swell. This is where I found myself when I started asking God to talk to me about me. As I read the pages of the book, I decided that a little chiseling was ok! I felt that I could be honest with myself but I never wanted to be that open with anyone else. (EVER) I mean I had to still be a pastor, a wife, mother, friend, daughter...so many count on me for strength. I started to feel that if I let even one tear trickle that I would not be able to stop them from flooding out. As I approached the end of IT, I couldn't stop the tears, my heart ached to be ruined by God, to be Stretched again and for God to heal me.
The cost for me is to say to the Lord I will go with you. I will run with Reckless abandon. I can tell you that the thought of reckless abandon of myself still has me shaken. I realized that through all of this to be vulnerable was my worst fear. I didn't want to be hurt. But I have told the Lord I will hurt for you, I will give of myself and become transparent. I have asked Him to break my heart for what breaks His. Lord I give up all rights of self and will never again claim them back. I am yours. Ruin me, stretch me, heal me and disturb me.
Just sharing my heart today with you. I have been scared to do that lately. Its all been surface for me. I love and pray for you all.
The Prayer of Sir Francis Drake
"Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when with the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst for the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life, we have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
we have allowed our vision Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back the horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future in strength, courage, hope, and love."

Currently reading : It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep ItBy Craig Groeschel

Transcend

2008-11-11T16:44:00.000-08:00

I was writing earlier and a word just popped out in my mind. It was nagging and wouldn't go away so I did what I always do; I pulled out the dictionary. The word was transcend. The meaning is 1 a: to rise above or go beyond the limits of b: to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of : overcome c: to be prior to, beyond, and above (the universe or material existence)2: to outstrip or outdo in some attribute, quality, or power intransitive verb: to rise above or extend notably beyond ordinary limits
Wow what a powerful meaning the word transcend has. That word makes me think of the character of Christ. He did transcend. He went beyond limits set on him. He did triumph over death, the grave and hell. He overcame! He is, was and will always be. He was prior to the beginning of time. John chapter 1 verse one begins
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
He came to outstrip and outdo the power of satan. He came so that we through him would be able to rise above every life situation and go beyond ordinary limits. Through him is eternal life. I would say that makes it possible for us to go beyond ordinary limits. He has overcome the world and because he has so can we. Read the following verses.
Jeremiah 1:19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord. Luke 10:19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the worldRomans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
I think one of my favorites is John 16:33 right in the middle of it, he says I have told you these things so that you may have peace...IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE, BUT - BUT take heart, I HAVE OVERCOME the world.
I pray that you find peace and follow it.

Character and Candor

2008-09-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

Characterize yourself in a word or two...would it be compassion and poise, vigor, intuitive, creative, celebrated, strong willed, lavish, obstinate, intriguing, personable, stand offish...what would one say of you?

While I was setting up this blog and really trying to think of a name for it; these two words kept coming to me, character and candor. I shrugged them off a time or two and then settled on this name for my blog site.

The word character rang out to me for more than the obvious. A character is used in writing and printing and I love to write. Other definitions of character are complimentary of me. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/character

Then there is the word candor. I have always liked this word but when I revisited its meaning, I fell in love with it. Unreserved, honest or sincere expression, brilliance, fairness are a few of the words that make up candor.

I look forward to reading your blogs and thank you in advance for reading mine. I hope from time to time we laugh, cry and celebrate together. I promise to get you thinking and hope to never offend.

I am a mother to five brilliant and vivacious children. The age range is 8-16 years old. I am a children's minister and advocate for kids. I love to read and write, watch my kids and others discover their gifts and abilities. I love nature but especially fall. I hope to make this blog my regular vent.

Thanks for reading.
Stacy