Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Tuesday Tunes




Absolutely loving Dara Maclean's album!






Wednesday, February 22, 2012

What I'm Watching





The Mighty Macs is the inspiring true story of Cathy Rush and her Immaculata College women's basketball team.



I am usually not a fan of sports movies, but this movie is so much more than that. The Mighty Macs really is a story of the underdogs - a group of women that didn't give up no matter what. A story of a coach with a vision and the courage and determination to not only take the journey herself, but bring everyone around her along.

My favorite person in the movie was Sister Sunday. She made me laugh most, but also made me think most. I love the moments when she and Cathy were alone talking. They were both such an encouragement to each other.

You don't want to miss the extras on the DVD as the interviews were fantastic - with not only the actors, but the real life people they portray.

I love cameos in movies and this one didn't disappoint. You can see Cathy, Ed, and several of the Mighty Macs throughout the movie.

I have an extra DVD of the movie to give away here on my blog.
To enter to win it, leave a comment sharing about someone in your life who encourages you.

You can learn more about the movie here:


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.


Monday, February 20, 2012

Missions Monday

It's time for Missions Monday.

Every Monday I will introduce you to some great charities that you and your family can get involved in. When I say get involved, I mean you can donate your money, time, and/or pray for these organizations who are doing amazing things to help people.

Today I would like to introduce you to



From the website:

"Living Water International exists to demonstrate the love of God by helping communities acquire desperately needed clean water, and to experience "living water"—the gospel of Jesus Christ—which alone satisfies the deepest thirst."





You can learn more about this organization and how you can get involved by visiting their website here:

You can connect with them on Facebook here:
and follow them on Twitter here:

Everything Begins With Water from Living Water International on Vimeo.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Surrender


Surrender.

Some might say that surrender means to admit defeat. To give up.

Really that's only part of what it means.

Yes, when we surrender our lives and our will to God, it means admitting that we alone can do nothing and we give up trying to do it out of our own power.

But the second part of that is the belief that God is all powerful and that by His strength we can do all things for His glory.

Surrender is about our weakness and His strength.

Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

An exchange that will forever change our lives.

Gladly, I will wave the white flag of surrender.
Knowing that by doing so I am claiming His victory.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13





Wednesday, February 15, 2012

What I'm Reading






As a mom and a children's ministry volunteer, I am always looking for resources to utilize with my own family and pass on to the families I serve.
Family devotions are one of my top searches. They are a wonderful way for families to connect and learn more about God together.

FamilyTalk is a found treasure.

This book is a collection of weekly devotions that guide in:

1. Steps we take as we grow in God.

2. A series of foundational truths that
are essential to our walk with God.

3. An exploration of several events in
the life of King David.
 
Each week there is scripture to read, questions to discuss, and a devotion to share together as a family.
 
You can preview sample pages of the book and purchase it here:
 
You can also connect with the author Ron Brooks on Twitter here:
 

Monday, February 13, 2012

Missions Monday

It's time for Missions Monday.

Every Monday I will introduce you to some great charities that you and your family can get involved in. When I say get involved, I mean you can donate your money, time, and/or pray for these organizations who are doing amazing things to help people.

Today I would like to reintroduce you to




From the website:

"We view diaperLove to be an extension of the Great Commission. Through diaperLove, we pray that the simple action of providing diapers to children and families in need will show God’s love in action and reinforce Jesus’ direction.”





You can learn more about this organization and how you can help by visiting their website here:

You can connect with them on Facebook here:
and follow them on Twitter here:

Friday, February 10, 2012

My Declaration



I DECLARE Im going to experience God’s abundance this year. As I trust God and obey His Word, I will see God do amazing things in my life. I believe and declare I will give birth to every promise God put in my heart and I will become everything God created me to be. This my declaration. Amen!

I DECLARE by faith I am child of the Most High God and I know who I am in Christ. I’m going to walk in God’s power like never before. I m going to have strength, resolve and determination to overcome every obstacle in front of me. This my declaration. Amen!

I DECLARE that it’s not too late to accomplish everything that God has placed in my heart. I have not missed my window of opportunity. God has moments of favor in my future. He is getting me prepared right now because He is about to release a special grace to help me accomplish that dream. This is my time. This is my moment. I receive it today! This is my declaration. Amen!

I DECLARE I am grateful for who God is in my life and for what He’s done. There’s so much I can be thankful for. This is my declaration. Amen!

I DECLARE a legacy of faith over my life. I declare that I am going to store up blessings for future generations. My life is marked by excellence and integrity. Because I’m making right choices and taking steps of faith, others will want to follow me. God’s abundance is surrounding my life today. This is my declaration. Amen!

I DECLARE God’s dream for my life is coming to pass. Theres I potential on the inside of me that I have not yet tapped into. There are seeds of greatness that are going to take root. God is going to make up for time that’s been lost. He is keeping the records and when its my time He is going to place me in the foreground. This is my declaration. Amen!

I DECLARE Ephesians 3:20 over my life, which says that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that I ask or think, according to the power that works in me. As I stay in faith, God will turn every problem into a stepping-stone and take me to a higher level. Everything I’ve been through up to now is to prepare me for what God is about to do. Nothing in my life has been wasted. This is my declaration. Amen!

I DECLARE I am special and extraordinary. I am above average! I have been custom made. I am one of a kind. Of all the things God created, what He is the most proud of is not that spectacular solar system, not the magnificent sunsets, not even the amazing animals. The creation that God calls His masterpiece is me. I am His most prized possession. He created me in His very own image. This is my declaration. Amen!

I DECLARE that God is bringing about good seasons of change. I know that He is stirring things up because He has something better in store. I’m going to be open to change and let God direct my steps. I’m believing He’s going to open a new door and take me to a higher level. This is my declaration. Amen!

I DECLARE Psalm 37:19 over my life, which says that even in famine the righteous will have more than enough. Instead of complaining about the economy, Im going to believe for the best year ever. I’m going to believe God to bring increase in the middle of what looks like a bad situation. I know I can trust God today because He is a trustworthy God. This is my declaration. Amen!

I DECLARE faith over fear! I’m going to use my energy to believe what God says about me. Fear has no part in my life because I’m trusting in what God promises in His Word. This is my declaration. Amen!

I DECLARE that I’m going to pray bold prayers and expect big and believe big. I’m going to ask God to bring to pass those hidden dreams that are deep in my heart. Those promises that don’t look like they’er going to happen I’m going to pray with boldness, expecting God to show Himself strong. This is my declaration. Amen!

Originally shared by Bianca Juarez here: http://blog.inthenameoflove.org/archives/2988

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

What I'm Reading





This book written by Andy Stanley was released previously titled Choosing to Cheat. In this book Andy talks about the fact that in life we are either cheating our family due to work or cheating work due to our family. He shares about creating boundries and guidlines to protect what you value most...your family. He explains the difference in saying that your family is a priority and actually making your family your priority and gives practical advice on how to do just that. 

One might think that this principle only applies to people who work or are in ministry, but I believe that it also applies to stay at home moms as well. We can easily let how we serve our families cheat them of the time that we spend with them.

In this book Andy talks about a series of questions that he asks his family a few times a week to monitor their hearts on a regular basis.
They are:
  • Is everything ok in your heart?
  • Did anyone hurt your feelings today?
  • Are you mad at anyone?
  • Did anyone break a promise to you?
  • Is there anything I can do for you?

These questions are a great way to prompt an open conversation with your family and make sure they feel that they are your priority.

When Work & Family Collide is a book for everyone. Whether you work outside the home or inside the home, you will get something from this book that could change the dynamic of your family.

You can read the first chapter of the book here:

You can learn more about Andy Stanley here:


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
 

Monday, February 6, 2012

Missions Monday

It's time for Missions Monday.

Every Monday I will introduce you to some great charities that you and your family can get involved in. When I say get involved, I mean you can donate your money, time, and/or pray for these organizations who are doing amazing things to help people.

Today I would like to reintroduce you to



Two years ago at the Orange conference I met (and fell in love with) two of the most incredible people - David and Karen Rhodes. They have such an amazing vision to love on kids in Belize in the name of Jesus!

You see Belize is a country made of up of more than 50% children and most aren't able to have the experience that our children here in the United States do. There is no Children's Ministry there.

Well, at least there wasn't before David and Karen heeded the call of God to bring Jesus to these beautiful kids with the ministry of Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus!

From the website:

Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus has two facets of ministry.

Kidz Change Can Change Kidz provides a ministry opportunity for children’s small groups to have a consistent focus and impact on missions and other kids. The first Sunday of each month kids will bring their change to small group and drop it into a Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus "change can". Each church is partnered with a specific Belizean church or school or both. The change cans permit the allocation of computers, large screens, curriculum, training, and supplies for each ministry and the continued maintenance. Change cans, envelopes and ALL supplies needed to implement this vital ministry are provided.

Family Mission Impact Journeys are mission trips for families. It is our belief that children are called to be on mission. Belize is an English speaking country that is easily traveled to. Families are assigned to specific villages where American and Belizean families develop relationships that will encourage and provide opportunities for them to do life together. Belize has much to offer in the way of relaxation and fun while being affordable. Families will find an ideal balance of ministering, fun, and relaxation.

God is doing amazing things through this ministry and you can be a part of it!

Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus will be at the Orange Conference again this year. Please take a minute to stop by and visit with them. Hear directly from them all that God is doing in Belize and how you can get involved. I promise you will fall in love with them, their ministry, and the children of Belize.


You can learn more about this organization and how you can get involved by visiting their website here:

You can connect with them on Facebook here:





And The Winner Is...


And the winner is...

Holly!

You have won a copy of

Please email me at kiddes92@aol.com with your mailing address.

Congrats!


Thursday, February 2, 2012

More Than Spaghetti and Meatballs


My Zachary surprised me with his response to me telling him that I love him the other day.

He said, "I love you more."

Which prompted a game of "I love you more than..." He started by saying that he loves me more than Skittles and I responded that I love him more than gummy bears. He said that he loves me more than Super Mario which is HUGE in his world.

Then it all stopped when I said that I love him more than spaghetti and meatballs. He got quiet for a moment, looked up with that smile that lights up my world and said "Momma you must really love me lots 'cause that's the most awesome ever."

I looked into the eyes of this child who forever reminds me what love really looks like and said, "Yeah baby, Momma loves you that much and more."



Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Jumping the Track with Roger Fields



I love everything about Kidz Blitz!
A super fun experience where families come to learn more about God together.
I mean, what's not to love?

But I have to admit that I really didn't know much about the man behind the ministry - Roger Fields.
All that changed as I read his new book 

While reading I realized that Roger wasn't just sharing about his journey to his calling, but was opening up about his faith journey as well and invited us to come along with him. He shares the stories of tracks he jumped in following where God was leading him. He shares the successes and failures along the way and how God uses both. He doesn't claim to be an expert, but gives such encouragement throughout the book.

I really enjoyed reading the stories of how Kidz Blitz came to be, but even more than that I loved the story of his family along the way.

This is my favorite quote:

"I had been making the classic mistake of letting my experience shape the Bible instead of allowing the Bible to shape my experience.
That became my objective: to see my family reflect all that God promised in His word."

You can find out more about Kidz Blitz and Blitz Ministries by visiting the website here:
Kidz Blitz.

You can read an excerpt from the book and purchase it on the website here:
Jumping the Track.

I have an extra copy of the book to give away to a reader thanks to Roger. You can enter to win by leaving a comment here on my blog. I would love to hear about your family and how I can pray for you all. I will pick a winner on Friday.