My Beautiful Aunt Linda

Today, we laid my Aunt Linda's earthly body to rest after a beautiful memorial service. As grieved as we all are, I know we all have peace. Just as the angels had declared that Jesus wasn't in the tomb, but had risen, we know that Linda has been raised to life. It's a beautiful comfort to know that she is with our risen Savior!

I snapped this at our Christmas get-together in 2009. 

The following words are the things that the Holy Spirit put on my heart to share at the service today. It was my honor and joy to be able to minister these words to others just as they were ministered to me when He had me typing and crying up a storm: 

As I have attempted to recall to mind the memories of my Aunt Linda, I realized that I didn't have the kind of memories everyone else would be sharing. Many of us who are gathered here have lived with her or near her while most of my interactions with her has been through family get-togethers and social media. I don't really recall many moments of one-on-one quality time. However, there are two prominent memories that stick out in my mind that I believe can speak for anyone who knew her no matter how much or how little they got to interact with her.

My first memory is of when I was a young child and I was told that she was going to have a baby. I remember that there was a strong emphasis on what a big deal this was. Every baby is a miracle, but her baby was that much more of a miracle child. If anyone ever had a mother's glow, it was her. The mere mention of her son, Zach, would immediately put the biggest smile on her face. She had once told me about how her co-workers had gotten her a doll that was made to look just like him. She adored that gift because it reminded her of her most precious real-life gift; her living "doll" with his Daddy's bright blue eyes. She truly treasured her husband, son, and family. Sometimes, people don't cherish their loved ones enough or as deeply as they should; but she did.

My other memory is about my necklace. It's a cheap two dollar necklace that I bought at a souvenir place while on vacation many years ago. It became a favorite of mine that I wore quite a bit. One day, it accidentally got broken. There were beads everywhere and I reacted with the kind of shock and sadness that Pocahontas did in that Disney movie scene where her mother's necklace was broken to bits. I hoped that maybe I would figure out how to fix it...if I ever had the time and know-how to do it. Realistically speaking, I knew I would probably never get around to fixing it myself. I can't remember how the subject came up (or if someone had just mentioned that Aunt Linda had the jewelry making skills to repair it) but she was more than happy to take a look at it and see what she could do with it. I don't recall how long she had it, but just like her mom (my Grandma) she was able to eventually get it done and get it back to me. Like Grandma, she apologized that she didn't get it finished sooner and tried to explain how it probably wasn't "quite right" or good enough. Again, just like with Grandma, I could never quite figure out what the supposed flaw was because it looked like new to me. I didn't care about any so-called imperfections or how long it took. All I knew is that I was loved because time was taken out for me and my problem. Aunt Linda was just like Grandma (and even looked so much like her too). They both had such willing hearts to love and serve others; always making sure things got done. They happily invested in their family and friends. Love, laughter, service, faith, and joy was a natural part of who they were and is why they are both so beloved and missed. 

I feel that these two memories summarize the Linda we all knew. We all love and miss her because she poured so much life into everyone around her. Since the day she gave back to me my remade necklace, I've never seen it as the cheap two dollar souvenir that it started out as. Every time I have put it on, it's felt like that Disney moment where Pocahontas also got her necklace back. What was so precious had been made precious and new once more, but it was more than that. Immeasurable new value had been added to it because someone cared enough to put the time into re-making it. That's what love does; it rebuilds, restores, renews, and heals. What was once broken is restored and what once was shattered is I made whole and new again. That's what I think of when I wear my necklace: "My Aunt Linda fixed this for me." That's

My re-made necklace

who she was. She modeled the healing grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. She walked in love and poured it into everyone and everything around her. It pained us all to see life being drained and robbed from her after everything she did to pour life into everyone else. Our comfort is this; she has been remade! In heaven, she has been healed and made new. The body that had been broken is now restored, and what cancer had shattered is made whole and new again. Jesus fixed everything; right on time (His time) and without any flaws. She, her mom, grandma, Sherryl, and all of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before us are eternally healed and whole. We will also experience this same joy if Christ is the Lord and Savior of our hearts. Until then, we must continue the legacy of faith and love the way they did. In this way, we will truly celebrate and honor their lives by paying forward all that they have poured into our lives.

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I'm including her memorial video at the bottom. Also, here's a link to one of Aunt Linda's favorite songs: I Can Only Imagine (I can't wait for the movie!!). The one thing I'm imagining right now is Aunt Linda and Grandma being with Jesus in heaven. In three days, it will be the 5th anniversary of Grandma's passing. It's so strange and beautiful that they both went to heaven during the same month, at around the same time, and because of the same reason. I hope and pray that everyone who reads this will get to experience this eternal paradise. The only way is through Jesus. If you haven't accepted Him as your Lord and Savior yet, don't wait another day! You never know when it will be your last! 

My 11th Hour Plea!

I know this is last minute, so I will make this short and sweet. I'm not sure if anyone will actually read this in time, but it's my 11th hour plea! PLEASE....help me to at LEAST make my $500 minimum goal tonight! The walk for life is tomorrow morning and I am only $162 away! Of course, I would LOVE to raise much more beyond that, but am grateful for whatever I can get for Heartline.

Please, help me right meow!

I've written a lot about the walks I have done in the past (and I tried extra hard last year, but still didn't raise very much). I know there are a lot of good causes and fundraisers out there that you might want to spend your time and money on instead. I get that. It doesn't have to be much. Just donate a buck for the babies (or whatever God lays on your heart) and share this link! PLEASE!! Heartline fell WAY short of their goal last year and it looks like this year isn't going to be a smashing success either. It breaks my heart and I hope that they never have to shut down! I don't want them to ever have to worry about that (or for scared and hurting women to not have a place to turn to) so PLEASE.....let's keep things going!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I apologize that I haven't said anything about it sooner. I wrote a few updates on my fundraising page, but I never did get around to blogging about it here. Things have been busy and stressful lately; there just hasn't been much time. Personally, I've been exhausted and also dealing with some major back problems. It is going to be very painful for me to walk tomorrow, but I'm still going to do it because I'm committed and care so deeply about this! Please, pray for a miracle; not just for my healing but that Heartline will be fully funded! Thank you and God bless you!

Once Upon A Time (S1, Ep2): The Thing You Love Most

Henry watched as the clock started working again at 8:15 once Emma decided to stay. Others notice it too as they are going about their day the next morning; including Regina. She heard the clock chime as she was confronting Henry about his Fairy Tale book that she had been looking through; some of the pages were missing. Though, she considered it no more a threat than Emma; until she notices that Emma's car is still in town. She pays her a visit at the hotel; bringing her a basket of apples from her tree as a parting gift for her drive home. Emma says that she's decided to stay for a while to make sure Henry is ok. Being threatened by Regina has made her all the more determined to stay. Regina assures her that he's fine and has been in therapy. "Don't underestimate me Ms. Swan," Regina says."You have no idea what I'm capable of."

Later, Henry is walking with Emma on his way to school and tells him that their mission is to break the curse and he code names the mission "Operation Cobra". He says that time has been frozen until she got there and that everyone has forgotten who they are and are walking around in a haze. He shows her the missing pages from the book (that show her as the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming) and says that his Mom should never see them and know who she is. Emma talks to Henry's teacher, Mary Margaret, as he goes into school and learns that Henry believes her to be Snow White. She asks her where she can find Henry's therapist and she goes to see Archie.

Emma talks to Archie about Henry and his Fairy Tale obsession. Archie voluntarily gives Henry's file to Emma so she can read about things for herself. He urges her to be careful about labeling him as "crazy" or "destroying his belief system" because it's how he deals with things. He calls Regina when Emma leaves and says that he gave her the file. Later, Graham (the sheriff), shows up at Emma's door with charges that she demanded Henry's files from Archie and took them by force when he refused. He arrests her and takes her back to jail. However, Henry brings Mary Margaret with him to bail her out after he learns from his Mom what happened. Emma promptly decides to go to Regina's and pay her back for the frame job by cutting off a part of her prized apple tree. She says if she comes after her again, she'll come after the rest of the tree and tells her the same thing Regina told her earlier: "You have no idea what I am capable of."

Emma returns to the hotel and Granny informs her that she received a call that reminded her that there was a city ordinance "no felons rule" that prevented her from staying there. Emma begins gathering her things while Regina is busy gathering the apples strewn about the yard and telling Graham that she wants Emma arrested for what she's done to city property. He confronts her about the set up and she denies it while threatening to take away the sheriff position that she gave to him in the first place. He says that he could arrest her again, but that the two of them will just keep going back and forth and that the one who would ultimately get hurt is Henry; no matter how much she insists that all of this is to protect him. Regina calls Emma over to her house to talk and make "peace." Henry overhears Emma expressing her concerns to Regina about his inability to distinguish fantasy from reality and that it's "crazy." Henry runs off and Emma realizes that once again, she's been set up.

Emma goes to Mary Margaret's to pay her back the bail money. Mary Margaret can see that she's distressed and invites her in to talk. Emma says that she thinks she should leave, but Mary Margaret says that that's the very reason why she should stay. She knows that she cares about Henry and asks her "who will protect Henry if you won't?" Emma decides to go find Henry at  his therapy session with Archie and she explains to him that she doesn't think he's crazy, but that the curse is. She says it's a lot to believe in, but there are a lot of crazy things out there so maybe it is true. Regardless, she tells him that she told his Mom what she needed to hear and that one has to trick the evil queen into thinking that they are non-believers and throw her off the trail. She agrees with him that the pages he showed her are dangerous and she throws them into the fire. Henry brightens up and tells her that he knows she is here to help him. She assures him that nothing will stop her from that.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gold comes to see Regina as she is surveying her apple tree once again. He tells her that he just seen Emma and Henry strolling around together and that if she had a problem with Ms. Swan, she should have come to him for help. She said she wasn't in the business of making deals with him anymore and he asks about which deal she was referring to. He then mentions the fact that he had arranged for her to have Henry and then complimented her on her name choice, "However did you pick it?" She questions him as to whether he wanted Ms. Swan to come to town and insinuates that finding Henry was no accident. Mr. Gold plays innocent and excuses himself; but not before saying "please" and taking a bite of one of her apples.

Looking back into the Fairy Tale World, we are shown what happened in the time leading up to the curse. Regina had made her vow of destruction; and planned to accomplish it through a dark curse. Though, she traded it away for Maleficent's sleeping curse (which failed) and needs to get it back. The mirror, and her father, warn her that Maleficent is not going to be happy to see her. The Queen remarks, "Since when do I care about anyone else's happiness but mine?" She decides to go and see Maleficent anyways and get her curse back. Maleficent reminds her that the curse is no longer hers and that it can't bring her loved one back from the dead and to consider the comfort of a pet, like the pony she has, instead. "The only comfort for me is Snow White's suffering," Regina says. Maleficent continues to withhold it from her and says it's a monstrosity and that whomever created it makes even the two of them look "moral". At last, Regina can wait no longer and she overpowers Maleficent with her magic; playing on the fact that Maleficent would save her pet when caught in the warpath of the magic. "Love is weakness, Maleficent. I thought you knew that," Regina says. Maleficent waits for Regina to take her life, but she tells her that she's her only friend and spares her. Maleficent pleads with her not to use the curse: "There are lines even we shouldn't cross. All power comes with a price. Enacting it will take a terrible toll. It will leave an emptiness inside you; a void you will never be able to fill." Regina takes it and says, "So be it."

Regina needs the locks of hair from the "darkest souls" and summons some fellow villainous creatures to give her what she needs. The only other thing she has to add is the heart of something she treasures; which she has the heart of her prized steed. However, it proves not to be effective. Her father says it's for the best, and that "Revenge is a dark and lonely road. Once you go down it, there is no heading back." Regina claims she has nothing to go back to and decides that she will have to go see Rumplestiltskin; the one who gave her the curse. She tells him that it's not working. He says she sounds as worried as Snow and Charming who are fearful of it. He tells her that nothing can stop it except for their unborn child and warns the queen that "no matter how powerful, all curses can be broken" and that "their child is the key." Regina demands to know what she did wrong, and of course Rumplestiltskin insists on a deal first. He demands comfort and a good life in the land that follows and that if he should ever come to her for any reason, she has to heed his every request and do whatever he says, "so long as I say 'please'". She tells him he won't remember anything anyways and agrees. He proceeds to tell her that the heart of a steed isn't even close to good enough. "This is the curse to end all curses" he says. "Great power requires great sacrifice." He tells her the heart must come from something far more precious..."the heart of the thing you love most." She insists what she loved most died because of Snow White. "Is there no one else you truly love?" he asks. "This curse isn't gonna be easy. Vengeance never is, dearie. You have to ask yourself a simple question: how far are you willing to go?" Regina tells him that she is willing to go "as far as it takes."

Regina tells her father what she has to do and he realizes that that means his death. He tells her that she doesn't have to do it and to move past it. Regina insists that Snow's very existence mocks her, is eating her alive, and that Snow must be punished. Her father says, "If the price is a hole that will never be filled, why do it? Stop worrying about Snow White and start over. We can have a new life." Regina claims that all her power and everything she built will be gone. Her father tells her that "power is seductive, but so is love. You can have that again." Regina sobs and says she just wants to be happy. Her father assures her that she can be and that they can find it together, but that the choice is hers. Regina thinks for a moment, "I can be happy; just not here. I'm sorry." Sadly, she does the unthinkable and he falls to the ground.

Regina once again tries to reenact the curse and this time, she apparently succeeds. She then puts a rose on her father's grave with the name "Henry" on it.

*****

I mentioned in the previous blog that I wasn't intending to make these entries that long. Though, for the benefit of those who haven't seen the episodes, I've decided to keep on recapping them as best as I can. If you've already seen them (and want to skip the details) just read the stuff that I post here at the end.

The theme in this episode is obviously "revenge." As anyone with any experience knows, revenge definitely isn't as simple and sweet as one hopes it will be. It takes from you more than anything you hope it will give. True satisfaction and relief (from the pain that caused the need for revenge) is found in the healing power of forgiveness. However, this is something that a lot of people (like the Queen) do not understand. Happiness isn't brought about by causing other people to suffer. Attempting to make other people "pay" for the wrongs they have done never achieves the results we desire. It never fills that "void" and it only creates a thirst for more that is never satisfied. The cycle of pain only continues and more layers of pain and suffering are added. Things continue to spiral out of control until, ultimately, you destroy yourself (and often other casualties around you that you never intended). Indeed, there are some lines that shouldn't be crossed. Revenge will take its toll and come at a terrible price. While seeking to make others pay, we will be the ones that end up paying. That is why God urges us to forgive, love our enemies, and overcome evil with good; allowing God to avenge us and deal out justice (Matthew 5:42-44, Luke 6:27-35, Romans 12:19-21).

Hate is a powerful and destructive force. I think just about anyone can concur with that. However, the ones that call good "evil" and evil "good" are the most dangerous kind (Isaiah 5:20-21). It's a scary thing when those that act out of spite think they are acting out in love. In an effort to protect what's "ours" and avenge, we forget what the essence of love truly is. In 1 Corinthians 13, love is described as a virtuous thing; full of patience and kindness. TRUE LOVE protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres, and is unfailing. What love does NOT do is envy, boast, or delight in evil. It's not prideful, dishonoring, selfish, angry, or unforgiving. Therefore, it should be clear which way is better. One path is full of life, promise, and fulfillment. The other, a dark road that poisons the heart and is full of death and destruction. Is it any wonder that vengeance doesn't ever make one feel any better?

Like the quote from Rumplestiltskin, "Great power requires great sacrifice." That applies to either path. To truly love unselfishly and unconditionally is a powerful thing that does require great sacrifice (like Jesus' sacrifice for us on the cross). Likewise, sacrifices are made in the quest for vengeance as well; which are usually far more unpleasant and aren't worth whatever "power" they may bring. To love or to hate; which truly profits more? A clear head and a good heart are needed to tell the difference. Think (and pray) before you choose/act; for one's words and actions have the power to hurt or heal. They are truly life and death decisions.

Grace and peace to all of you! May God grant us all the wisdom and virtue to make good choices that enhance and enrich our lives; not destroy them. God bless you!

Yesterday's Rally and March for Life

Yesterday, Mitch and I went to the annual rally and March for Life in Fort Wayne. To read highlights from the event, please read the article I posted on Examiner.com (and please subscribe and pass it along! Please, remember to credit me if you decide to write for them as well!). That article took me four hours to organize/compile, write, and post and I had some technical issues that made me lose it (good thing I had saved my own copy elsewhere! So much for the "auto save" feature that was supposed to prevent that!).

Since articles aren't supposed to be "bloggy" or about the writer, I saved some of the good stuff for my own blog (like these two pictures). This picture is of Cathie Humbarger and I. She works tirelessly to put together and promote events like this and she is always fighting hard for life! As some of the other speakers said, she is truly one we all look up to and a pro-life hero! ;)

This picture is of Abby Johnson and I. As you will read in my article, Abby Johnson is the Planned Parenthood worker that resigned after seeing an ultrasound aided abortion. What she saw totally changed her heart and her life! I was so honored to hear her speak and to get to talk to her in person! She is another amazing pro-life hero that is now working hard to expose Planned Parenthood and motivate others to stand strong for life!

There are a couple things that I wanted to mention that I couldn't fit into my article. One of them being that Cathie reported that we have yet another abortion provider in Fort Wayne. The glimmer of hope is that, once again, a Women's Care center has opened across the street (which has led to a lot of women coming to the "wrong door" and subsequently, getting REAL help!). ;) Praise God!!

The other thing I wanted to mention was a little bit about some of the Planned Parenthood secrets that Abby revealed. The laws and patient safety ordinances that help restrict abortions are having a positive effect on Planned Parenthoods because it's making it harder for them to operate. However, there are instances in which they are being able to skirt around the laws. Abby talked about going to NAF (National Abortion Federation) conferences as well as CAPS (the Consortium of Planned Parenthood Abortion Providers) and how they stategized to beat the system. She was right when she said you would have a hard time googling information about CAPS because it's very secretive (but I was able to find this link).

Abby said that she learned about how Planned Parenthoods were going to get around a law that said that the RU486 (abortion pill) could only be given by a doctor who administers abortion. She said that women in more rural areas didn't often get to the big city clinic where that could be done. So, they are setting up pcs, web cams, and a cash drawer in these smaller clinics to where the women sit in front of them and she gets the pill administered to her by a doctor in a totally different clinic via the web cam! He/she just simply presses a button on his computer, that is wired to the little drawer in the clinic that she's in, so that the pill is dispensed to her! The worst part about this is, these rural area girls are in danger of hemmorhaging and having blood clots because of this pill and if they have complications like that, their nearest ER could be miles away (not to mention the fact that her "administering doctor" isn't anywhere near her!). So, by the time she gets medical care, it may be too late!!

In instances where things like this occur, Abby said that Planned Parenthood doesn't even report them until 1,000 patients have experienced a problem!! So much for women's health! Not only do these women not get follow up with their "doctors" (especially doctors like these that they have never even meet in person) but they get no real patient care. Once you're done, you're done. They get you in and out and that's all you get.

This is only the tip of the iceberg! I would like to think that anyone reading this would be outraged and horrified. Even if you aren't pro-life, I would think that the fact that a corporation is acting illegally and placing people at mortal risks would be enough to get upset about. They shouldn't be allowed to get away with things like this!!

So, what can you do to help? Well, for one, you can spread the word (and even forward this blog). Write/call/e-mail your representatives and do whatever it takes to spread awareness and get the ball rolling!! If we band together, we can get it done!! God bless you all!!

Celebrating Brett

Today is October 25th. Usually, on this day, I re-post something that I wrote in memory of my beloved uncle (who passed away sixteen years ago). This time, I’m not going to re-post that blog (though you can read it by clicking here). Even though it was a good post about processing grief, and learning how to appreciate the people in your life before it’s too late, I feel that now is the time to write a post that concentrates on celebrating his life. Everyone still misses him, and that‘s why it’s time to tell the world WHY we miss him. His life was a life that touched so many and he truly made an impact on everyone he met!

If I had to describe my uncle Brett in one word, I doubt I would be able to do it. Not only because I always have so many things to say, but because someone like him cannot be contained in one word. The uncle Brett I remember was an incredibly handsome, charming, funny, loving, and talented man who could really make you smile! And, as my Mom and aunt can attest to, he was also very ornery and they have been the butt of his jokes many times (though, my Mom has shared stories with me about how they pulled their own jokes on him!). The family and friends that know him best can probably tell you funnier and better stories than I can! The only ones I have are the ones that I have heard or have seen firsthand in the few years that I knew him (I was in fifth grade when he died).


One of the first memories that comes to mind is the time my Mom, brother, and I visited him at his place. He had his synthesizer set up and he allowed me to play on it. Without my knowledge, he recorded me as I played something from memory. Then, he boasted that he could play that same thing using only his nose! Of course, I thought that was impossible, but he proved me wrong - well, sort of!! I watched in astonishment as I heard my exact song playing as his nose moved up and down the keyboard! Knowing him (and the fact that I hadn’t played a simple chopsticks!) I figured he had tricked me somehow! Mom says my expression was priceless! He never would admit that he tricked me. In fact, he always insisted that he could still do it, but that it would have to be another time because he had a cold or something and couldn’t use his nose that day. ;) It was kind of a running gag between us. He was so funny! Grandma always said he was so good at getting people to fall for such outlandish things (he “got her” a LOT!). ;)

The other thing I remember most about him is his music. I would LOVE to be able to share a song of his with you, but I can’t. Everything he recorded is on cassette tapes. Maybe one day, we will have them converted but until then, you’ll have to take my word for it that he was VERY talented!! I remember we used to listen to his tape in the car non-stop! One of the ones that my brother and I liked best was “The Ice Cream Song”. It started: “Going to the Country Kitchen. I’ve got some dinner on my mind….” The chorus, addressed to the waitress, was something my brother and I always liked to say: “Helen, Helen, I want some ice cream. I used to get it here free all the time….all the time I want some ice cream.” I know, it’s hard to appreciate it or understand it if you haven’t heard it with the music, but trust me….it gets stuck in your head (I’m humming it to myself right now! Won‘t be able to get it out of my head!).

Aside from his original compositions, he also sang a lot of well-known songs. He used to have a band called “R-Tyme” (family/friends, I hope I remembered and spelled it correctly!) and I remember my brother constantly singing “Johnny Be Good” after seeing/hearing my uncle perform it. Uncle Brett made Michael J. Fox’s “Back to the Future” version look like child‘s play!

There are three other songs that I remember him singing/playing that I was especially fond of. One of them was “Rocky Top” (my brother and I LOVED this one!). Another one was “Alone” by Heart. He played that song on one of his visits to our house. I was really young, and I remember how much I loved the piano solo at the beginning of the song (and it always takes me back to that memory when I hear that song today). I remember I was dancing in circles like I was a ballerina or something. He was making up his own lyrics as he went along. I remember him singing that I was a pretty dancer or something. ;)

By far, the song/memory that stands out most in my mind is when he played the song “Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon. It was during Thanksgiving 1985. I was three years old and my brother was a newborn and we were at my grandparents house. He played the song and his friend, Rosie, sang it. My Dad had a BETA recorder (um, yeah…..it preceded VHS tapes lol) and he taped it. Recently, my Dad got those tapes converted to DVD. The picture and sound isn’t very good, but it’s so precious to be able to watch again! I don’t have the right programs to convert it and put it on YouTube (and if I do, I don‘t know how to use it) so I just played it on the computer and videoed it with my digital camera and uploaded it that way. I hope you can see/hear it alright (and yes, the little girl running from Mom‘s lap to Grandma‘s is me)!! It is my great joy, honor, and pleasure to share it with you!!! This song has become “Brett’s Song” to many of us (at least to me). It used to be difficult for any of us to hear it (Mom used to change the station immediately if it came on the radio). Now, however, I can listen to it and enjoy it. Though, I do still tear up from time to time (see video at the end of the blog).

There is a lot more that I could say and share with you, but to tell you the truth, he really leaves me speechless. Greater than all of the things I mentioned was his love for others. He was extremely giving! And, towards my brother and I, he loved us as if we were his own and was extremely kind and generous to us in so many ways! I remember telling him one time that I had a “boyfriend” and he said, “Well, you tell him that he has to go through Uncle Brett first!” That always makes me smile, but yet, sad that my husband never got to “go through” him and get to know him (sadder still that he didn’t get to know our kids). However, I am glad that this world had him for the short time that he was here and I know that his legacy lives on (and so does he).

I hope that this blog, pictures, and this priceless video, has given you an idea of how amazing, funny, talented, and special my uncle was (and still is to so many!). I remember my Mom telling me that there were SO MANY people that came to see him at his viewing. I can only imagine the countless stories and memories that people have of him! If you are one of those people, and you would like to share, leave a comment! I would love to read them (as I’m sure all those that know and love him would too!).

Grace and peace to all of you!! Thank you for reading! It has been my joy to share these memories and I hope you have enjoyed them too!! God bless you!!

Walk for Life Update: The Walk is This Saturday!

Well, you have probably read my previous blog about the Fashion Show (which was a very tiring but rewarding weekend). Now, I am preparing for my next big weekend which is the Walk for Life on Saturday. Yep, it’s finally here! That is why I need all you last minute pledgers to contact me by FRIDAY so that I can have your name, address, and pledge written down before I get up early in the morning on Saturday to go to the Walk!

Two years ago, my dear friend Heather walked with me (and Kaden too!). He was just a baby then and she was a single Mom. Oh what a difference a couple years make!! Now, Kaden is two, and Heather and Kaden’s father (Aaron) are now married. Better yet, they now have a brand new baby daughter; Kathryn Joy. It’s a blessing to see her and her sweet family! Even greater than that is knowing that even when she thought she was going to forever be a single Mom, Heather made the choice for LIFE for Kaden! Abortion was NEVER an option for her (praise God for that!). And, because of a Crisis Pregnancy Center, she had the support and counsel she needed to get through those uncertain times!! Way to go Heather! I wish you could walk with me again, but I know that you have a new bundle of JOY to attend to! Though, I am proud to say, that my Mom (who will be visiting from South Carolina) has said that she is going to walk with me! Can’t wait for that!! ;)

The world needs more places like The Hope Clinic. We also need more caring people who will give and volunteer their funds and their time to help those in need. You might often hear the pro-choice activists ask “where are you when that child is born?” Well, there are MANY people that ARE there for the women when their child is born! We DO care and we DO see them through (will you find THAT at a Planned Parenthood??). If you want to read a good example of that, please read this story.

Do you need another reason to pledge? Consider the fact that a high percentage of abortion-minded women change their minds after seeing their baby in the womb (and The Hope Clinic is one of those places that provides Ultrasound). In fact, Saundra (whose story you read in one of my updates) once told me that that would have made all the difference for her if she had gotten to see her baby. Unfortunately, there are many clinics that can’t afford the machines. That’s where organizations like Project Ultrasound come in. They donate these life-saving devices to CPCs everywhere. Please, check out their site and consider supporting this organization with your prayers (and funds) as well!

I can’t even begin to tell you how vital and life-saving your prayers and pledges are!! I am so grateful to all of you who have stepped up and pledged so far! Some have been gracious enough to put their faith into action by giving me “at least five dollars” as I have been asking for in my blogs. Some have given even more than that. Whatever the amount, it will be blessed and multiplied! God will use your tax-deductible gift to save and transform lives! How can you put a price on that?

Here are the current leader boards. As you can see, there have been some changes (the major one being that New York just beat out Indiana in pledges - just like last time). Grateful as I am for that (a BIG thank you to my EXTREMELY generous pledger in New York!!!) I think us Hoosiers STILL have a chance of beating out New York if my peeps would start pledging REALLY soon!! Additionally, I would STILL love to see the rest of the states in the nation show up! I got over half last time, but I’m really lacking this time around! Remember, you have until FRIDAY!! Please, PLEASE CONSIDER PLEDGING!! Can ya’ll pledge AT LEAST FIVE BUCKS??? Five bucks….that’s not too much to ask is it? That’s your morning coffee at Starbucks, but that five for coffee won’t compare to saving a child’s life! Send me your name, address, and pledge amount to my e-mail: melissawalksforlife@gmail.com Thank you in advance for your generosity and kindness!! God bless you all!!


Financial Pledges

1. New York
2. Indiana
3. Tennessee
4. South Carolina
5. North Carolina and Ohio
6. Texas


Prayer Pledges

1. Indiana - 11
2. South Carolina - 3
3. North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee - 1 each

17 Prayer Warriors!


Men Vs. Women

Men = 3 pledgers and 1 prayer warrior! ;)

Women = 23 pledgers and 16 prayer warriors!

THE WOMEN ARE LEADING!!


Participating States 8/50

Indiana
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas

I Need Your Help

Today is August 22, 2009. While that date may not mean anything in particular to anyone, I know at least two people who celebrated a birthday today (happy birthday to my friends Jen and Brian!!). So, truly, this day IS a special day! In fact, EVERY DAY is special and significant because it’s another day that we are blessed with; another day to live, breathe, and enjoy life!!

Life - what a gift!! My two friends are celebrating the many years of life they have had on this earth thus far. They are alive today because God created them with a purpose and their mothers lovingly birthed them into this world.

That is why I am blogging today; to ask you all if you will help make it possible for everyone to have a chance at life. Two years ago, I participated in my first Walk for Life which benefited The Hope Clinic in Berne. Once again, they are having their bi-annual walk and I am eager and ready to be a part of it!!

In 2007, so many of you blessed The Hope Clinic with your prayers and donations. All total, they collected over $20,000! Praise God! And, $2,860 of it came from my family, friends, and perfect strangers who graciously donated after I posted about the walk in my blog!! Thank you!!

I am now hoping and praying that what was raised in 2007 can be matched and surpassed!! Of course, I will need the generous help of all of you!! Some of you might remember that I had people in over half of the 50 states (plus Canada and Washington D.C.) who pledged their prayers and their pledges. You also might recall that while my home state, Indiana, had the most people pledging to pray (10 in my state - 41 overall) we were beat by a landslide in the financial pledges by (ironically) the liberal and pro-choice state of New York. New York gave a total of $2,000 while the givers in Indiana came in second with $425.00 and ironically (again) the highest givers sandwiching us between 1st and 3rd place was California and Washington D.C. (both gave $100.00). While it’s very encouraging to see that we still have wonderful and loving pro-life givers in these typical liberal/pro-choice states, I am hoping that my state (as well as the rest of the states) will give even more this year and show just how solidly pro-life and supportive they are!!

Alright, people. NOW is the time to pledge!! I KNOW that money is tight (believe me, I KNOW!) but there is no better time to give!! Why? Because in an economy like this, more and more women and babies are in danger! Organizations like Planned Parenthood push for more profits off of death during times like these by encouraging scared women to rid themselves of a “burden” during uncertain times. We must prevent these women from being taken advantage of by the abortion industry!! We must be there for them and show them that LIFE is still the best option!!

So, how will your pledges do this? All the money that The Hope Clinic raises goes to offer care and support to women in need through: pregnancy testing and ultrasound verification, education on options beyond abortion, client education in regard to sexual integrity and STD’s, Baby Bucks incentive program, maternity and infant clothing loan program, free diaper program (income based), and the Tender Mercies post-abortion recovery program. They also provide community referrals and volunteer peer counseling.

Additionally, The Hope Clinic has just opened a sister clinic in the northern part of the county!! Praise God! TWICE the opportunity to help women in the county and surrounding area!! Isn’t that GREAT?!!

Ok, now for the meat and potatoes of this blog. Just like my simple “Will You Help?” request from two years ago, I am once again asking for your help and support. All you have to do is contact me and let me know how much you want to pledge. I DO NOT COLLECT THE MONEY!! All I do is write down your name, address, and amount on my pledge form (and NO ONE else but me and The Hope Clinic will see or share your private information). Then, The Hope Clinic will send you a letter to collect your pledged amount AFTER THE WALK (which is on September 19th). So, pledge now and pay later (by the way, it’s tax deductible)! This gives you more than enough time to save some money back if you need to. Any amount will help!! In 2007, I had people pledge all kinds of amounts; anywhere from $5 to $500 or more. I have a few hundred people (including my e-mail contacts) that will read this. If everyone who reads this pledged just FIVE DOLLARS, I would raise well over $1,000 (though if you want to pledge even more, that’s GREAT!!). C’mon! Is FIVE DOLLARS doable for everyone?? Look at your hand and those FIVE fingers. Those FIVE fingers were once no bigger than the palm of your hand! That’s right, go on…..look at your hand. Imagine a tiny little baby’s hand (or your own child’s hand) in yours, with those five tiny fingers. How much will you give for that little one? Or, maybe you want to give ten; one dollar for the fingers on both hands. Or, maybe twenty; for all of his/her fingers and toes. Every life is precious and priceless. How much are you willing to invest?

I look forward to hearing from all of you in regards to your beautiful and sacrificial gifts of pledges and prayers on behalf of the mothers and babies who need you!! I will also keep you updated on how many states are pledging their dollars and prayers. Additionally, if you have material goods (like baby blankets, diapers, etc.) that you want to donate (or if you would like to join me in Walking/Fundraising) let me know!!

If you pledge your prayers, here are the areas of prayer that I encourage you to pray for in the weeks leading up to the Walk (and hopefully, continuing afterwards). Prayer is the most effective tool we have! After all, as I heard at a pro-life rally, ‘The goal isn’t to make abortion illegal, but unthinkable.’ We do this through prayer and by being there to support and educate others about the sanctity of life and helping them recover in the event that they have regretfully made a mistake. There is no condemnation or judgment; only information, love, comfort, and healing (I know many women who have gone through this; love, compassion, and understanding is what they need most of!). Let’s pray for one another and pray for changes of heart towards abortion. Then, we will truly see abortion abort itself as people begin to respect the lives of themselves and others! Grace and peace to you all! God bless you!!

Day by Day Prayer Suggestions (if you are prayer pledging)

Sunday

Pray for the hearts of this nation and that God would soften every heart; opening everyone’s eyes to the evil of abortion (and the lies that are used to enforce it). Pray that there would be a passion stirred within every heart to stand together to protect and defend human life! A lot of people who support the pro-choice/pro-death agenda are just ignorant, deceived, and don’t know any better. They really don’t know what they are doing and it’s not “people” that we are wrestling with, but the evil spirits at work.

Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.


Monday

Pray for Planned Parenthood and abortion providers everywhere! Pray for the patients who walk into their doors; and for their workers (and so-called “doctors”) who perform the abortions. Pray that God’s conviction would rain down on them and that their eyes would be opened and that they would have a change of heart/mind and repent. Pray that government funding would be stripped away and that as more people realize their agenda, the clinics would be put out of business. Pray also that the truth about abortion and awareness would spread and that the media would stop hiding the tragic facts about abortion.

Isaiah 46:3-4 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Tuesday

Pray for the healing of women who have had abortions (as well as the healing of the men who will never know their children, the children that will never know their siblings, and the grandparents that will never know their grandchildren). Pray that they will know God’s healing and forgiveness. Abortion takes its toll physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Pray for understanding and compassion and how you can offer it to a hurting person who has gone through the emotional turmoil of abortion.

Isaiah 49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Wednesday

Pray for Crisis Pregnancy Centers everywhere and that they would have the funds and the volunteers that they need to keep them running. Pray that more women will seek them out first rather than seeking an abortion. Ask God to move their hearts towards life rather than death. Pray also for the effectiveness of things like the monthly call for life, prayer vigils, etc. and that hearts would be softened and changed.

Psalm 139:13-16 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Thursday

Pray for our elected officials. Pray that God would strengthen and encourage the ones that are standing for life and values and that He would convict and change the ones who do not. Pray that God would move people to vote for solid pro-life candidates that will value and protect human life.

Psalm 119:73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Friday

Pray for a spirit of adoption to move in the hearts of people. Pray that those facing the decision will choose life for their pre-born babies and also that there would be more people who willing and able to adopt. Additionally, pray for the women (especially the struggling single Moms) who are keeping their babies and are working hard to provide for themselves and their children.

Job 10:8-12 Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese? Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favor, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Saturday

Pray for an end to abortion. Pray this little prayer written by Lou Engle (and please check out this website for more information on “Bound for Life“ http://bound4life.com/) : “Jesus, I plead your Blood over my sins and the sins of my nation. God, end abortion and send revival to America.”

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Life is a Good Investment

Last Thursday, Mitch and I attended the Life Centers Banquet in Indianapolis. The banquet was lovely and well-organized. Many of my fellow Huck*Pac peeps were there as well! One of which was Shelley Ahlersmeyer, a coordinator for Huck*Pac. There were so many people at the banquet that I missed out on seeing her and several others, but she wrote a GREAT blog about all the details!! She also posted some good pictures as well!! Feel free to view her pictures as well as mine (you might have heard that I had an awesome dress!! Some of you may get the joke! LOL). And by the way, if you haven’t signed up for Huck*Pac, I encourage you to do so! Hopefully, you’ll be kind enough to sign up after making a contribution through my link so I can meet my fundraising goal (enter donor code: R27508) C’mon! Can I get 100 people to donate AT LEAST a buck to Huck to help get common sense hard-core conservatives elected so we can turn this country back around and going in the right direction again?! Thanks, I appreciate it! I thank you, Huckabee thanks you, and America will thank you!!!

Anyways, my thoughts on the banquet will likely reflect the feelings of other fellow Huckafans as well as the true patriots of America who still hold fast to the ideals of our forefathers; who declared that we all have the right to LIFE, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Mike Huckabee really drove that point home in his speech (which, as Shelley pointed out, he did without the use of notes or a teleprompter. Wow! Even the “president“ can‘t accomplish that!!). Mike Huckabee spoke straight from his heart and from the common sense wisdom that true Americans still adhere to. He talked about how precious, sacred, and valuable the basic right to life is for every human being; the fact that we are “created equal.” No one is worth any more or less than anybody else. He talked about how our forefathers rejected the ideas that people were defined by their status, name, property, etc. They wholeheartedly believed and declared that worth is given to each person by God; the Creator and giver of life. No other human has the right to say that you are worth more or less than anyone else!

Mike Huckabee also pointed out some other good facts. He talked about how this nation woke up to the realization that slavery was wrong and that no one could “own” anybody. We are now living in 2009, and we Americans can’t imagine how or why we ever participated in (and allowed) slavery to abound in this “free” nation. It’s a shameful and tragic component of our past that we aren’t proud of. Likewise, abortion is now a horrible stain of our past and present (but hopefully not our future). For some reason, we have tragically gone back to thinking that we “own” people again. We have been deceived and have repeated history in an even more diabolical way. Not only do we believe that we “own” the lives growing inside us, but that we have the “right” to control that life through a horrible thing deemed “choice.” As Mike Huckabee pointed out, we can use that “choice” to murder an innocent life just because they are an economical, social, or some otherwise named “burden.” As the state of this nation worsens, this “choice” has the potential to abound even more as people are pushed harder by blood-thirsty/money-hungry organizations like Planned Parenthood to end the lives of innocent children so they won’t have to deal with a “burden” in tough times such as this. Mike Huckabee urged all of us to pray hard and give whatever we could (time, money, resources, etc.) to fund ministries like the Life Centers so that women would have the “choice” to choose LIFE for herself and her child instead of tragedy for them both.

If that’s not enough to convince you, consider the ripple effect. If we allow the culture of death agenda to keep implanting itself into our society, we will see much more tragedy to come! Mike Huckabee said that the more life is cheapened, the less that anyone will matter and the generation behind us will be the ones terminating our lives as we sit in nursing homes waiting to die. Because of the “choices” we told them they have a “right” to make, it will broaden the scope of who is a “burden” and babies won’t be the only ones being killed. Mike Huckabee said that he wasn’t about to let his kids get off that easily and that he isn’t about to let someone come and do away with him when he’s sitting in a nursing home. Can you see where the degradation of life is headed? Soon, no one will be safe or protected (and we’ll be utterly defenseless as well, because they are trying to strip us of our right to bare arms!! Are ya’ll connecting the dots yet???).

We all may think that now isn’t the best time for us to give, but Mike said that there has never been a greater time than NOW! Planned Parenthood takes no holidays. They are in the market for death 24/7 - and Satan has them working overtime now! They’ll prey on women more than ever before; and they’ll use the economic conditions to push their agenda so they can profit off the deaths of the innocent ones. My dear brothers and sisters, we cannot allow this!! We must pray hard, as well as reach out to the scared and vulnerable women that need our help! We need to give of our hearts, our time, and even our money to help! Mike said that when he was a preacher, he always told people about how God loves a cheerful giver. Though, he said when you’re a politician, you’ll even accept money from a grouch. ;) Regardless of whether you’re an Oscar the Grouch or Mister Rogers, please consider opening your heart to giving in this crucial time. You can click on the link provided to donate to Life Centers (and/or feel free to donate to your local Crisis Pregnancy Center). In a world where investing is something people are scared to do, there is no risk in investing in something that lasts! Invest in the LIVES of PEOPLE!! The returns and yields are AMAZING; and your rewards are in heaven!!! God bless you!!

Important Information

I just learned of the details for the upcoming pro-life t-shirt day (and t-shirt week!). I got a postcard in the mail from Heritage House. Pro-life t-shirt day is APRIL 28th!! They are selling t-shirts for $8.00 (plus s&h) on their website. I have included two links to the shirts. One is a regular t-shirt and the other is a “women’s cut” t-shirt. Both say the same message on the back (the date is on the front): “If he’s not alive, why is his heart beating? If he’s not a human being, what kind of being is he? If he’s a living human being…why is it legal to kill him? Choose Life.” Please, check out these shirts and get yours ordered (I just did!). Here’s a promo code for you: V10T

Also, American Life League has their pro-life t-shirt day shirts as always. AND, they have decided to extend the event to pro-life t-shirt WEEK!! It’s April 28th - May 4th (mark your calendars and particpate!). Their shirts are $6.50 (plus s&h). I ordered those too! ;) I got a closet full of pro-life tees, so I will definitely be able to wear them all week!! I will wear the Heritage House tee on the 28th, and the all.org shirts the rest of the week.

Can you imagine if we were all wearing these t-shirts with the pro-life message all at the same time (and for a whole week?!). What a way to spread awareness and get the opportunity to share the message with others! I can’t even begin to tell you how many people come up to me and ask about my shirts, how they can get one, and what it’s all about. Some of them are down right amazed when I tell them about things like FOCA (freedom of choice act), Obama’s agenda, and also how Planned Parenthood is in the business of promoting promiscuity and exterminating children (especially minorities). Obama/Planned Parenthood THAT IS DISGUSTING!! The way you market killing really does sound like a bad car salesman pitch (as Steven Crowder illustrates).

We all need to have attitudes like that of this 12 year old girl. Her video that wisely and courageously defends life speaks volumes (and has begun to go viral - PLEASE, pass it on!!!). It’s a shame that a girl so young even has to plead for the lives of innocent people that shouldn’t have to die in the first place. Amercia, who are we?!! How long will we have to explain abortion to our children? I don’t want to have to explain it to mine (remember the video I posted last year?)!

On that final note, please remember to participate in the next call for life this Friday. It’s so simple, and it REALLY can (and will) make a difference if we all work together!! The small things really add up to a lot!! Remember everyone, we are called to stand for life, not snuff it out (Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 30:19, Psalm 82:3, Proverbs 6:16-17). Silence isn’t golden, it’s deadly!! If we passively let this continue, we will have blood on our hands. Please, no more lives lost! No more pain, regret, and torture for women!! This has got to stop!!

"I'm here for you!"

Yesterday, my family and I went to the rally and march for life in Fort Wayne. The speakers and the testimonies always inspire me. I am always touched by the fact that we have people like Mark Souder who continue to fight for what’s right in Washington. He spoke at the rally, and his words were encouraging (despite the fact that fighting for life will be even harder with Barack Obama in office).

We also heard from Shawn Carney, who is one of the original founders of the Forty Days for Life campaign. One of the most moving things that he said was that it’s not about making abortion illegal, but UNTHINKABLE!!! Indeed, THAT’S the goal!! We can change laws, but what REALLY needs to change are hearts!! (Pray!!)

Actions really do speak louder that words! We have to be active, involved, and hands on! We have got to SHOW that we care, and we do that through prayer, providing help/aid to those that need it, and being the hands and feet of Jesus instead of just His mouth. In fact, Chad has been addressing that very thing in his recent sermons (haven’t blogged the sermons lately…sorry!). He has been reminding us about what “church” is (and it’s not a building! It’s PEOPLE!). Each “faith community” of Christian brothers and sisters combine together to make up ONE CHURCH - the body of Christ. And because we are a BODY, we need to be a body that moves!! The hands and feet of Jesus need to be going and doing. Yes, rest has its place, but we need not be the “butt” of the body all the time.

So, how do we get moving and start seeing real “change” in this world? Well, you have got to demonstrate that you care and that comes through continuing to spread the Good News (and doing it in the most gentle and compassionate way possible)! We’ve got to keep standing together, helping each other, reaching out, and actually DOING things that support what we stand for!! For example, there are LOTS of people that say that they are pro-life, but what good is it if you merely say it and don’t DO it? Why is everyone so afraid of rolling up their sleeves and getting involved? I’m not just talking about marching, talking about it, or pestering our senators and congressman to do what’s right. What I’m especially pushing for is people to say “you can count on me!” It’s about helping out your crisis pregnancy centers, giving help/counsel to a scared pregnant mom or a post-abortive woman who is hurting, providing a soft place to fall/shoulder to cry on, developing a connection with the people you help, etc. It’s not just a “cause”; it’s PEOPLE!! Putting it more simply, the cause IS people and investing yourself in them by building a relationship/connection and fellowshipping with them. How much more is a person’s heart touched based on a personal relationship connection? How often do we display our love and compassion by pouring out our hearts in service to others? How often do we drop to our knees in humble service (literally or metaphorically) and wash peoples’ feet like our own Savior did?

Talk is cheap. Though, it’s not to say that words are not necessary or effective. Most of you reading this know that I am a “words” kind of girl (you can tell by how much I blog! LOL). I write to motivate, inspire, and encourage because it‘s one of my spiritual gifts. Words ARE important, but they are only worth as much as the heart that‘s behind them. Many of you reading already know this because I have been “active” in your lives (and you in mine!). When I say I’m there for you, I MEAN IT (and prove it!). Lots of people, including myself, say “if you need anything, I’m here for you“. I can’t speak for everyone, but sometimes that phrase is taken a little too lightly. It kind of loses it’s meaning because that phrase isn’t always a reality when it comes to ACTING on it. So, I would like to make it perfectly clear to EVERYONE that when I say “I’m here for you. If you need me, let me know!” I ABSOLUTELY mean it!! I don’t throw that out there for the heck of it. It’s not just empty words from me! Though, it’s not to say that I’m superwoman or the greatest person in the world. I do the best I can however I can, but like I tell everyone, I am human and I have my failures. So, don’t expect miracles/perfection out of me (or for me to be a complete doormat either!). Even with my flaws, though, I’m HERE and I do mean what I say. Plenty of you out there can vouch for the fact that I back it up - and I appreciate those of you that return the favor and back up your own words as well!

So, with that in mind, don‘t be afraid to call on me if you need a friend. I want to be as helpful and effective as possible, so feel free to tell me what you need (or don’t need lol) from me. I know that at the very least, I can keep working on trying to keep my blogs shorter (when possible! LOL), talk a little less, and work on my conciseness (I am such a work in progress!! LOL). And, I know that I will continue to use my gifts to blog, volunteer, listen, e-mail/call/IM friends who need someone to talk to, provide encouragement/counsel/aid, etc. I’ll keep trying to be the kind of friend that one can depend on for love, compassion, and support (just like I receive from many of you).

I guess all that’s left to say is “who’s with me?” Chad is saying the same thing. Are we all in this together? I know some of you already are!! There are a faithful few of you who I can consistently count on; the ones who always put their whole hearts into people (and you know who you are!!!). These are the people that back up their words with actions. They devote time, money, resources, and love to helping the broken and getting them through whatever they are struggling with. They know as well as I do that we need to give and do as much as we can. Alone we are one, but together we are many! The WHOLE body of Christ needs to network together in order to have maximum impact!! So, THANK YOU to my true family and friends who ALWAYS have my back; and the backs of others!! THANK YOU for always saying “yes” when I ask you to help me aid a friend (or even help me personally in any number of ways), give back to the community, etc. You are more than just the “mouth” of Jesus; you are His hands and feet. You’re going, doing, and caring!! I feel the urge to name some of you one by one, but I know you all are humble servants and I don’t want to embarrass you (or cause the less than humble people to give me grief if I didn‘t mention their name lol). You know who you are, and you have my infinite love and gratitude for all you do!

Grace and peace to all of you!! God bless you and may you be a blessing to others!

Benchmarks

In my last blog, I talked about Scott’s sermon on God’s love. Towards the end, I mentioned how he encouraged us to set a “benchmark.“ Where will we be in our walks with God in a year or more from now? Personally, I pray that I can only go “up” from here! Though, growth can be painful and unpleasant (as I have found out more than ever this year) but it’s worth it!! As Kent always says: “Feel the heat, face the fire, find the gold!”

Recently, I was privileged to see evidence of my growth as I read a particular e-mail. Oddly enough, it was an e-mail from myself!! This particular e-mail was a result of a project Yahoo had had; it was a “time capsule” thing. You could compose an e-mail to yourself and they would save it and deliver it to you in a few years. Well, I had been thinking about that e-mail recently, and wondered when I might be receiving it. Though, I couldn’t remember what I wrote or what year it was supposed to be delivered. Then, wouldn’t you know, it happened!! Here is the note I wrote to myself in 2005:

Dear Self,

You wrote this message to yourself in 2005. At that time, Casey was 2 and a half and Gianna was almost 2 months old. Oh how time flies!!

What have you done since then? Have you finished your book yet? That is the main thing you should have been doing. If it isn't finished by now and on its way to print, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU??? GET R DONE!!!

You should be very proud of your accomplishments, assuming you have any. Live for God and not yourself and enjoy life!!

Sincerely,

Yourself

You know, I never expected a letter from myself to have such an impact!! LOL You want to know why? It’s because of the fact I can see who I was then and who I am now. I was always consumed with the idea of having to finish a book that I felt that God wanted me to write (which I have started and have been working on here and there for years). I had set a sort of “time table” for myself when I wrote that. Though, I often forget that God’s timing isn’t my own! I also didn’t realize how time-consuming motherhood would be with two little ones, or all the other God given tasks that would come into play over the past three years.

The thing that struck me most was when I read the accusing judgments that I had written to myself. “What is wrong with you?” and remarks that inflicted doubt as to whether I would have any accomplishments to be proud of (as if parenting two children wasn’t an accomplishment in itself!). I was a little stung by my own words, and was amazed to see how nasty I used to be not too long ago! How could I have used words like that to myself when I wouldn’t even say something like that to a friend? If I wouldn’t utter them to someone I loved, why should I be using them on myself? We’re supposed to love others as we do ourselves (Matthew 22:39) aren‘t we? Yet, for a long time, I didn’t love myself very much because I didn’t know my true worth. I used to be extremely harsh on myself and I had a very narrow minded view of success (among other things). Thankfully, however, I have learned to treat myself with the same kind of kindness and acceptance as I do to others. I’m a loved and accepted child of God, and I don’t need to be accepting judgment and condemnation from Satan, or other people (including myself!). So, yes….I DO have accomplishments to be proud of!! I may not have finished and printed a book, but I have come a long way spiritually in three years! Three years ago, I wouldn’t have recognized that rude, criticizing, and judgmental spirit in me. It was “fact” and I accepted it. Though, when I read that TODAY, I just want to say, “Hey! You can’t talk to yourself like that! It’s not nice and it’s not true!” I just wanted to rebuke myself!! LOL

The one good thing that I did write to myself was this line (which REALLY woke me up!): “Live for God and not yourself and enjoy life!!” HOW TRUE IS THAT?! If I am living for GOD and not myself, I WILL enjoy life! I can’t truly enjoy life if I’m am inward focused. Yes, it is great that I have learned to love and accept myself, but that can be a delicate boundary too. Also within the past three years, I have lost weight and have been working on my physical health as well as the spiritual. It has had its benefits, but also its drawbacks. As much as I love dropping the extra pounds that weigh me down, it’s hard to get used to all those changes. One of them being the attention. Sometimes, I feel as though people just see the “outer beauty” before the “inner beauty”. I just want the entire me to be seen and valued. I don’t just want to be another “pretty face.” And, I don’t want to become vain either. Blessings can sometimes be a double-edged sword.

Other people have noticed positive changes in me as well. I get feedback from people (online and offline) about the growth that they have seen, and that is such valuable and positive encouragement/affirmation to me! It only helps to spur me onward to continuing growth as I strive to work on my weaker areas that I have yet to mature in (still working on food issues, self-discipline, prayer, and so much more!).

In the upcoming months and years, I hope to be at a healthy weight and have a greater respect for my body and for food. I hope to rely on God for all my needs and not replace Him with food, people, or things. Hopefully, this will be a blog I will look back on in a few years and say, “Yes, I do have even more accomplishments to be proud of!”

I am also proud of the fact that so many of you are such good friends of mine and that you are so kind and supportive of me! So, to all those that adhere to and practice 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and Hebrews 10:25, I THANK YOU FROM THE DEPTHS OF MY HEART!! I am thankful for you all and I enjoy fellowshipping with you and ministering to each other through blogging, e-mail, etc.!!

May the grace and peace of God be with you all as you strive for your own benchmarks (and you don‘t have to wait until New Year‘s to start setting goals)!! God bless you!!

Say "No" to Suffering!

Back in April, I participated in the pro-life t-shirt day (sponsored by American Life League). I even made a video with my son, Casey, who had asked me about my shirt as best as he knew how (watch the video and you'll see what I mean).

American Life League/Rock for Life even featured it on their YouTube and on their site. My greatest hope was/is that the common sense of that video would touch hearts and spread across the internet as people realize that if even a CHILD knows a baby is a baby, how can anyone be any less perceptive?? I never had to tell my son that a "fetus" in the womb is a human being - he knew by looking at it!! So, is that to say that most of us aren't smarter than a five year old?? Where is our common sense, reason, and compassion??

I DREAD the day that my children become of age to understand what abortion is. How does one explain abortion to our kids? Even CHILDREN know that babies are babies!! I can only hope and pray that by that day, abortion will be a tragic thing of the past. Though, if Barack Obama has his way, it will be the stain that never gets washed away. For some reason, it's his greatest hope that human life continues to be destroyed and that women everywhere continue to be victimized, psychologically scarred, and so much more!! I have heard countless abortion stories and heard the pain, guilt, and regret of women as they tearfully tell me the stories that weigh them down with so much regret and shame. Thankfully, for those that know Christ, they have learned how to heal, and that God remembers it no more and holds their children in his arms. Though, even then, the memories rarely fade away; and many live with the after-effects of abortion (miscarriages, infertility, increased risk for breast cancer, psychological distress, etc.).

This is why I fight for life so much!! I am so tired of seeing people needlessly suffer - and that's only the tip of the iceberg! I have even had a man tell me his story of how he pressured his girlfriend to have an abortion; and he has grieved it ever since. EVERYONE suffers, people!!

This madness has got to stop!! America can't go on letting this silent genocide continue!! That is why we must stand up and fight FOCA aka the "Freedom of Choice Act" which Barack Obama is eager to make the law of the land. To learn more about FOCA, and to sign the petition to fight it, click here. It explains what FOCA is and also includes the video of Barack Obama addressing his buddy, Planned Parenthood, about how he plans to indoctrinate FOCA into our nation .

If any of you still aren't convinced about what's at stake, or how much abortion hurts people, click on the links I have provided at the end of this entry. They are the stories of real-life women who have shared their stories on my blog. And, in addition to that, I'm including a link to a poem I wrote last year when I was raising money for the "Walk for Life" for my local Crisis Pregnancy Center. Grace and peace to all of you!! Keep fighting the good fight!!

The Lost Child: Nancy’s Story
Saundra’s Story
Jackie‘s Story
Saved from Abortion
Poem: “Hearing Their Hearts’ Cry”

Stuff I Have Been Wanting To Say/Share

Today, I am just posting a lot of thoughts and information that I have been wanting to share. So, this blog is going to be a little "random" for a change. LOL So, anyways…..

First of all, today is a day we pause to remember and honor our veterans and active military. My Dad served in the army, and so did my Mom's father (my Grandpa). My Great Uncle's son (Mike) served in the Navy. My husband's father served as a marine in Vietnam. I'm sure we all know someone who has gallantly served in our nation's military - and has maybe even died while defending our country's honor and freedom. These people deserve our thanks and our prayers. Salute your heroes if you see them today and/or call them up and thank them!! God bless them all!! We love you!!

Second of all, today, my baby brother turns 23!! OH MY GOSH!! LOL Happy birthday Ryan!! Your big sis (though now much shorter than you!) loves you VERY much!!! Have a WONDERFUL birthday and many more….yeah, CRIPE!! LOL

Lastly, I wanted to make you all aware of a few important links I have come across in the last few days. One of them being a very interesting explanation of why Barack Obama has been so easily able to smooth-talk his way into office. If you have the time to even briefly look this one over, please see this detailed and comprehensive document that my myspace friend, Elaine, found (thanks Elaine for finding this and confirming what I had already suspected for months!).

The next link I want to mention is a VERY important one: http://www.fightfoca.com/ FOCA is what's known as the "Freedom of Choice Act" which Barack Obama wants to make his first priority to sign!! Dear friends, let's stand up, make our voices heard, and fight this!! We have harmed enough women and children over the years; it's time for it to STOP, not continue!! Please, visit the link (all the information you need to know about FOCA is posted there) and sign the petition!! Pass it along to everyone you know as well!!

I also want to share a link that I became aware of today. It's from Grassfire.org. Please click here to sign this important petition and pass it along. This is a peaceful petition of resistance which states: "As an American citizen, while I will show respect to President-elect Obama, I oppose the far-Left and socialistic elements that comprise the centerpiece of his agenda. I recognize that it will take a patriotic and resilient Citizen Resistance to block implementation of this agenda and I join with others who oppose these threats to our liberties." In conjunction with that, I also agree with the brilliant statements given by Mike Huckabee: "Some of President Bush's harsh critics went beyond loyal opposition and engaged in angry, vile and mean-spirited hate. Those of us who found that kind of attitude and behavior despicable can hardly engage in similar conduct toward President Obama. We can show our true patriotism conducting ourselves in the way that we wanted people to have treated President Bush…….If Barack Obama pushes tax increases, indifference to the sanctity of life or same sex marriages, I'll strongly and loudly disagree. But I will still show him the respect that he has earned having been elected president of the United States."

The last link I want to share is one that particularly resounded with me, because I had the exact same thoughts after election day (and was going to blog it myself). Though, this article articulated it perfectly (one small correction….the Bible text quoted is supposed to be first Samuel, and not second Samuel. May we all remember the history and warnings found in 1 Samuel 8 and may we be aware of the end time prophecies being fulfilled even now!). Sometimes, God just allows us to have what we "think" we want in order to open our eyes to the goodness He TRULY wants for us; and to draw us back to Him when "our way" falls apart. The one good thing that will hopefully come out of all of this is that God's people will band together in unity even stronger than before and press onward for righteousness!!

Grace and peace to all of you!!