Breaking the Silence

It really just started out as taking a break

over the summer to spend time with my family.

This whole not writing thing.

Then I realized it was a bit more than that.

A time to let God speak to my heart.

A time to speak to the hearts of others in my life.

A time to use my words more in other ways.

In prayer. 

With Him.

At home. 

With family and friends.

So I took the time.

I planned to start writing again once school started.

And I tried, but the words got stuck.

You see, right about that time some things happened that 

have been tough for me to talk about let alone write about here.

These things have challenged me in every way possible.

And I really didn't want to write about it.

Then I couldn't write anything.

So continued the silence.

I really miss writing.

I know that to begin again I have to break the silence on the hard stuff.

It was really difficult to do that with friends,

but I am so glad that I did.

Not only have they been so loving and supportive,

but it has given me a chance to do the same for others.

Being vulnerable opened that door.

Maybe I could be ok being vulnerable here too.

So looks like it's time to share.

So today is the first step.

Where I say...

Hello again, friends.

How I've missed you.

 Blessings,

Not of This World by Lisa Chan - Review & Giveaway

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, or thieves do not break in or steal; 

for where your treasure is, there your heart is also.

Matthew 6:19-21

Do you have treasures here on earth?  

What are you pursuing here on earth?  

What are you chasing?

Do you ever feel as if this world is not my home?

Are you pursing the things not of this world?

Are you storing up treasures in Heaven?

In Lisa Chan’s new video Not of This World, she walks with you through what it means to let go of the spoils of this world and store up your treasures in Heaven.  The things that tie us to this earth might be small but are we treasuring these things and distracting us from the purpose that we are called to be and do on this earth.  Lisa Chan challenges us to look at what we value here on earth.

True Beauty Not of This World TRAILER from Flannel Staff on Vimeo.

“Things on this earth can capture our hearts and they distract us from God and His purpose for us and they distract us from our love for Him” 

- Lisa Chan

I absolutely LOVE this video series by Lisa Chan and highly recommend it.

My friends at David C. Cook have graciously offered to give away

a copy of Not of This World to one blessed Saved Sister reader.

You can enter to win below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

Fire Fall Down

Picture yourself among the disciples:

A sound roars from the sky without warning, the roar of a violent wind, and the whole house where you are gathered reverberates with the sound. Then a flame appears, dividing into smaller flames and spreading from one person to the next. All the people present are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in languages they’ve never spoken, as the Spirit empowers them.
Acts 2:2-4




Blessings,

What I'm Reading - The Artist's Daughter

My Thoughts

When I read someone else's story I am always

looking for myself within their words on a page.

The more I read Alexandra's words, I found 

myself identifying with so much of her story.

When she shares the struggle of having an absent father, I know that place.

When she shares the struggle of marriage and motherhood, I know that place.

When she shares the struggle of making new friends, I know that place.

She paints a picture with her words of places 

that I know and she speaks to my heart.

I love her transparency throughout her writing as she shares her fears, doubts, and loneliness. But even more than that she speaks grace into these places. The hard places. The places we rarely share with others. She writes about her battle to figure out who she is in all of it only to find her identity in Him. She doesn't try to tie each part of her story up with a pretty bow, but shows how God works in everything. 

Because sometimes those hard places stay hard. But God is there.

I love this book.

Really love it.

It is for daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, and friends.

You can purchase this book here:

Amazon.com - The Artist's Daughter

About the Book

When Alexandra Kuykendall became a mother it was the beginning of a soul-searching journey that took her into her past and made her question everything she'd experienced--and a lot of what she hadn't. The only daughter of a single, world-traveling mother and an absent artist father, Alexandra shares her unique quest to answer universal questions: Am I lovable? Am I loved? Am I loving? 

In short, moving episodes, Alexandra transports readers into a life that included a childhood in Europe, a spiritual conversion marked more by questions than answers, a courtship in the midst of a call to be with troubled teens, marriage and motherhood--and always, always, the question of identity. Through her personal journey, women will discover their own path to understanding the shape of their lives and a deeper sense of God's intimate presence within it.

About the Author

Alexandra Kuykendall is on staff at MOPS International (Mothers of Preschoolers) where she encourages mothers of young children to keep growing as they take on their new mothering identity. She is a regular contributor and consulting editor to MomSense magazine, Connections magazine, and the MOPS blog. A frequent speaker for MOPS, Alexandra has been featured on Good Morning America. As the mother of four young children, she continues to refine her mothering identity. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, Derek, and their daughters.

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.

He Speaks To Me

Five Minute Friday is where gather with my sweet friends
to write our hearts on a page for 5 minutes prompted
by the friend who encourages us to write bravely - Lisa-Jo.

I love this community more than words can express. 
They are my people.

Today is about SONG.

God often uses the lyrics of a song to speak to my heart.

Sometimes it is to reinforce scripture that I have been reading that day. 
Sometimes it coincides with a conversation that I had recently. 
Sometimes it is a word of encouragement for the day.
Sometimes it is about a prayer that I barely whispered to Him.

Some songs speak only in a moment and there are ones that don't let go of me. These songs that grab hold touch something to deep in me. These are usually the ones that bring me to a place of worship when I least expect it and most need it. This place where I lift hands and lower knees all to Him.
Sometimes they break apart the hard and turn me inside out. 
The tears come and I come undone.

This is one of those songs.



I will sing of your strength; 
I will sing aloud of your 
steadfast love in the morning. 
Psalm 59:16

What song is God using to speak to you?

Blessings,

when "they" became "we"

In the process of writing my weekly series Missions Monday, I have spoken to many organizations doing good in the world today. I have heard their hearts on what they do and all that God is doing in them and through them along the way. 

I love being able to share that with others each week.

Something was different when I was first contacted by The Exodus Road. 

They had sent a personal invitation to join the team.

I watched Matt and Laura share their hearts in this video.

I knew I wanted to be a part of what they were doing and I said "yes." 

Everything changed in that one moment when "they" became "we."

What inspires me about this group of people that I have joined in the fight against human trafficking and child slavery is that we are all of one mind, heart, and purpose.

From Matt and Laura who lead the way to the undercover investigators on the front lines to those of us that share the stories of hope like Sarah's, 

we are all abolitionists who have an important part to play in the rescue.

I am so very blessed to be part of The Exodus Road team. 

Would you like to join us in the fight for freedom?

You can learn more about our organization

and how you can get involved by visiting our website here:

The Exodus Road - Website.

You can connect with us on Facebook here:

The Exodus Road - Facebook

and follow us on Twitter here:

The Exodus Road - Twitter.

My friend Holley Gerth invited me to join a group of dreamers that she affectionately calls her God Sized Dream Team. What a blessing to be part of this group. 

We will be gathering each week on Tuesdays at Holley's to encourage each other to dream those God sized dreams.

Won't you join us?

What is your God-sized dream?

Holley had written a love letter to dreamers. Her book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream is full of words of encouragement and will speak to your heart.

Blessings,

Pay It Forward

Each Sunday I gather a group of girls in a circle

sharing Jesus and loving on them. 

I listen to their hopes and dreams shared bravely

and their prayers lifted with open hands and hearts.

These are my moments to pay it forward.

I look into these beautiful faces bursting with anticipation 

for all God has in store for them 

and pour words of love and encouragement into their hearts.

I tell them...

The most important thing you can 

and will ever do is love God with all you are.

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart,

all your soul, and all your strength.

Deuteronomy 6:5

You are precious, honored, and loved by Him far beyond measure.

Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
Isaiah 43:4

You may get frightened or discouraged along the way, but you need to 

remember that He will be with you to give strength and courage.

This is my command—be strong and courageous! 

Do not be afraid or discouraged. 

 For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

There may be steps along the path that you don't understand,

but trust Him with each one and to look to Him to lead the way. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6

You should lift everything up to Him in prayer, find joy in every moment 
of the journey with Him, and give thanks over and over again for it all.

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. 
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will 
for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

He prepares the way and has His hand on you.

You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Psalm 139:5

It is important to remember that everything is from Him, through Him, and for Him. 
It is all for His glory. Everything should point to Him.

For from him and through him and for him are all things. 
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:36

These are just a few of the truths that I get to speak into their lives. 
Then I am blessed to watch God work in them and through them.

We will not hide these truths from our children;
we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
about his power and his mighty wonders.
Psalm 78:4

Isn't that really what it's all about anyway?
This legacy of truth we so long to pass on to our children.
We pay forward these words that give life 
to our dreams that God has placed in our hearts. 
All for His glory.

Empowering and encouraging to dream God-sized dreams.
I not only am blessed to do this for my sons in the every day,
but also for these precious girls that God has placed in my life.

That's part of my God-sized dream for sure.

How are you paying it forward?

My friend Holley Gerth invited me to join a group of dreamers that she affectionately calls her God Sized Dream Team. What a blessing to be part of this group. 

We will be gathering each week on Tuesdays at Holley's to encourage each other to dream those God sized dreams.

Won't you join us?

What is your God-sized dream?

Holley had written a love letter to dreamers. Her book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream is full of words of encouragement and will speak to your heart.

Blessings,

Vast and Beyond

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;

your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.

Psalm 36:5

Blessings,

My Sweet Dreaming Friend...

My sweet dreaming friend...

If I could speak to your heart today, I would echo Holley's words 

above that she shared in her book, You're Already Amazing. 

You're all of that and so much more.

I have to remind you of this today as you're struggling

 with discouragement walking out this dream of yours.

It's hard when you know what God has placed in your heart

 and there are people in your life that don't see or support you. 

Not everyone can see it because it is for you. 

He spoke to your heart. 

He sees you and has created and called you especially for this. 

I so want this to permeate your spirit today. 

This God-sized dream of yours is exactly what He has planned for you and we know that all His plans are good. Not just good, friend, but beyond our imagination.

So friend, hear me when I say this.

Don't let the inability of others to see cloud your vision

 of the dream He has placed in your heart.  

I love you, my sweet dreaming friend.

What words of encouragement would you speak

into the heart of a dreaming friend today?

My friend Holley Gerth invited me to join a group of dreamers that she affectionately calls her God Sized Dream Team. What a blessing to be part of this group. 

We will be gathering each week on Tuesdays at Holley's to encourage each other to dream those God sized dreams.

Won't you join us?

What is your God-sized dream?

Holley had written a love letter to dreamers. Her book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream is full of words of encouragement and will speak to your heart.

Blessings,

D6 Days Begin Today!

D6 Days begin today!

You might be wondering what D6 is.

The D6 Conference is a conference for anyone involved in family ministry. 

It is a place where church leaders, parents, and resource providers come together to focus on our families as the primary vehicle through which we impart our faith to the next generation. The conference derives its mission from God’s command to love Him, love His word, and impart that love to our children.

The foundation of D6 is Deuteronomy 6:5-7 which reads,

"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up."

D6 Days is a preview of what is to come at the D6 Conference. Starting today through Sunday you can watch and listen to sessions from speakers - David Platt, Brian Haynes, Ed Stetzer, Michele Anthony, and Rob Reinow to name a few - who will be sharing messages about generational discipleship ranging from what family ministry is to the transforming power of Christ for this generation.

You can view the videos and listen to the MP3s here:

D6 Days - Website

You can join the conversation on Facebook here:

The D6 Conference - Facebook

and on Twitter by searching for the hashtag #d62013 
or following here:

The D6 Conference - Twitter

You won't want to miss any of it!

Blessings,

Soul Tattoo: Living Out What God Put in You - Craig Jutila

These are my notes from Craig Jutila's breakout

Soul Tattoo.

The Sacred Heart is a medieval symbol of Christ's sacrifice.

The sacred heart signifies the redeeming love of God. 

Those who devote themselves to the Sacred Heart do so to create 

within themselves the love and compassion as taught by Christ.

Guard your heart above all else, 

for it determines the course of your life. 

Proverbs 4:23

Guard means to keep. Keep something of high value. 

If you have something of high value you do whatever you can to guard or protect it.

The Heart Symbolizes Kindness 

In Judaism, the word 'heart' represented the core of the person. The heart was considered the center of spirituality. The heart was the emotional center, and from there flowed love and kindness. 

Let the LORD remove every memory of him from the earth, because he did not remember to be kind. He drove oppressed, needy, and brokenhearted people to their graves. 

Psalm 109:15-16

The Crown Symbolizes Suffering 

A.W. Tozer said, It is doubtful that God will use you greatly until he has hurt you deeply.

My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise. 

Psalm 51:17

Broken Things

Jacobs Hip 

It was not until Jacob’s natural strength was broken that he came to the point where God could clothe him with spiritual power. 

The Soldiers Jars 

It wasn’t until Gideon’s three hundred soldiers “broke the jars in their hands” that God’s power brought terror to their enemies. 

Esther and The Law 

It was not until Esther risked her life and broke through the strict laws of the King’s court that she received favor to rescue her people from death. 

Jesus and the Bread 

It wasn’t until Jesus broke “the five loaves” that the bread was multiplied to feed the five thousand. 

The Perfume Bottle 

It wasn’t until Mary broke the “jar of perfume” that the fragrance filled the house. 

It is through the process of brokenness and suffering that miracles occur.

The Dagger Symbolizes Courage 

It symbolizes the willingness to take action, to be bold and fearless. A Dagger Tattoo that appears to enter the flesh with the tip often reappearing symbolizes that an individual has been wounded in life. 

Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. 

Psalm 27:14

Take Courage...Don’t Wait For It!

The Rose Symbolizes Hope 

A tattoo of a rose with thorns reminds us that beauty does not come without sacrifice. The road of hope often has a few thorns along the way but at the end of the thorny branch is something beautiful. 

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun] 

Isaiah 40:31a

The Flame Symbolize Passion 

Passion is a strong emotion that has an overpowering or compelling effect. Apathy is the opposite of passion. Lack of interest, listless, unconcerned or indifferent.

Why People Loose Their Passion 

1. Familiarity 

2. Keeping The Wrong Company 

3. Nothing to Fight For 

4. A Hard Heart 

How To Get It Back 

1. Get Around Passionate People 

2. Pray For It 

3. Keep Daily Reminders 

Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow 

and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

Keep my commands and live...

Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Proverbs 7:1-3

Craig Jutila is an author, leadership coach and communicator speaking to audiences and teams throughout the country on the topics of marriage, family, leadership and living lives of health and balance. In their most recent book, “From Hectic to Healthy: The Journey to a Balance Life”,” Craig, along with his wife Mary, share their story of a life lived out of balance and how they had to fight to find the right seasonal pace for their life and family. Craig also serves as president of Empowered Living a company that provides leadership and resources for parents, families, children and leaders.

Blog: www.whowillyouempower.com

Twitter: @craigjutila