This Is The Place

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 we write about VIEW.

This is the view from my Abba place. 
The place He calls me to when the sun bursts through the trees, 
the light breeze wafts warm, and the birds sing beautiful songs.
This is the place where He speaks words of love and grace to my heart.
This is the place where I reveal myself to Him holding nothing back.
This is the place where I give thanks for all He's given 
and I boldly ask for more of Him in everything.
This is the place where I not only offer my life to Him, 
but also the lives of my warrior and sons.
This is the place where I bare myself to Him heart and soul 
taking off all that hinders this closeness to Him.
He sees me here.
And I see Him.
In the flowers blooming with bright colors, 
in the birds soaring high above the trees, 
in the squirrels fearlessly jumping from limb to limb.
In my warrior working with his hands planting, watering, and growing 
both the garden of flowers and the garden of our sons. 
All of it pointing to Him.
Sometimes I am overwhelmed with all He does in this place.
This place where I lift my hands and bend my knees. 
This place that is His. 
His and mine.

Do you have a special place where you meet Him?

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,

Five Minute Friday - Love and Comfort

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 COMFORT.


I can't remember a time in my life that you weren't there. 
We were more than cousins, raised more like brothers and sisters.

I remember our many moments shared. 
Sitting around the kid table at all of our family dinners
secretly longing for the day when we could sit
with the adults at their table and be part of their world. 
Playing bar in the basement and searching for treasure 
in the junk room at Grandma and Grandpa's house. 
Getting waterlogged in the pool wearing Grandpa's t-shirts 
while either trying to make it across the bridge of foam 
rafts or diving for black marbles in their pool.

So many of our memories take place there.
We loved spending time at their home.
Scattered around the country and growing in numbers, 
we began to marry and have children of our own.

We all found our way back there at one time or another over the years.

Sometimes separately and other times together.

Love and comfort were found there.

Then we all received the call that Grandpa had passed 

and we made our way to their house.

We came together in one place to share stories of him. 

I remember standing together, alternating between laughing and weeping 

as I listened to all of them, and reaching out to hold a hand as I told my own. Afterwards we couldn't stop telling the stories so we made our way

 to my apartment and continued our walk down memory lane. 

Sitting in a circle on the floor together, there was love and comfort.

Years later and much more life lived, we received the call that Grandma had passed and we found our way to each other again. We were once more asked to share memories and managed to find words to express how much we loved her and how she impacted our lives. We stood in front of all there and clung to each other's hands speaking of her. I remember that each one of us mentioned that she instilled in us that family is everything. We couldn't bear to separate just yet, so we went to have dinner. Gathered around a table together, there was love and comfort.

I know that no matter how far apart we may live our lives, 

we are and always will be deeply connected.

There is love and comfort there too.

Past the 5 minutes:

I have been thinking of and missing my Grandma this week. I know it's especially hard for my Mom as we celebrate moms and hers is absent from the celebration. Today I am praying comfort for all those motherless daughters like her. I am also praying for those childless mothers as I know that this is difficult for you as well.

God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

Blessings,

What I'm Reading - Her Restless Heart Women's Bible Study

My Thoughts

As a leader of a Bible study group for moms, I am constantly looking for studies that we might do in the future. One of the things I like about Her Restless Heart is that it covers topics that most women can identify with - restlessness, the longing for love and acceptance, and the desire for more. I also like that there is a companion fiction book of the same name. Through the characters and their stories shared both in the study and the novel, you learn more about God's love. 

Each week is set up for five days and includes a scripture for the week and a short video segment. Each day of study includes a Bible reading, questions to reflect on and respond to, a daily prayer, and points to ponder throughout the day.

I also really liked that the author included several recipes in the back of the study. This would make a fun theme for a celebration at the end of the study.

You can purchase this book here:

Amazon.com - Her Restless Heart Women's Bible Study

About the Book

Her Restless Heart is the second study in the Faith and Fiction Bible study series that uses Christian fiction as a backdrop for exploring biblical themes. Just as Jesus used stories (parables) to teach important principles, inspirational fiction can open readers to greater understanding of themselves and spiritual themes.

Based on a novel of the same name by acclaimed Christian fiction author Barbara Cameron, this six-session Bible study explores the heart’s longing for love and acceptance and the Bible’s answer to this universal human need. The Participant Book has five daily readings per week, each including Scripture, reflections on the day’s topic with questions and space for writing responses, prayer, and a suggestion for the day—a question to ponder, Scripture to consider, or action to take.

About the Author

Barbara Cameron is the author of more than 35 fiction and non-fiction books, three nationally televised movies, and is the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. She currently resides in Edgewater, Florida. Find out more about Barbara at BarbaraCameron.com, AmishHearts.com, and AmishLiving.com. 

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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.

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,

Orange Opening Session - Reggie Joiner

Reggie Joiner kicked off Orange sharing about the main theme - FOCUS.

Reggie talked about giving parents a jar of marbles. Each marble signified a week in a child's life. Between time child is born and graduates high school you have about 936 marbles. They were asked to take out a marble every week. What happened is they began to value their time together. Actually seeing the time they would spend made a difference. When you see the time you have left, you get serious about your time now.

Teach us to number our days,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

He encouraged us to make a list of the kids and teenagers inside our circle of influence that we’re thinking of and praying over. We should be processing everything we are talking through this week through the filter of real relationships that we’re involved in and the kids that we are ministering to.

At the end of the day you want your kids to love God.  You can't make a kid love God, but you can live with him in such a way that they know what it means to love God. You can life in such a way that they can understand that there is a redemption story.

We need adults who will hang with kids and make history with them. God chose to use time throughout history that we can see the love of God. He chose over time to reveal himself to us. If God used time to reveal himself, we can use time to reveal God to kids and make history.

Love over time gives worth. – We need to love them over time and, in doing so, we give them a sense of worth. We are living in a generation where the kids don’t think they are worth anything. Kids in this generation need adults who will show up and show them what God is like. We start at the beginning when we were made in the image of God and then God said it was very good. The story of the cross says you’re worth something. God pursued us to have a relationship with Him. We need a generation to rise up and remind our kids that they are worth something.

Words over time gives us direction. - When you and I are in a relationship, words have history that come with them. They mean something. Words are so powerful.

Stories over time gives us perspective. - We are shaping a generation to see how God is when we tell and retell Bible stories. That’s why Jesus told stories.

Fun over time gives you connection. - The greatest thing you can put in your home and church to attract kids is joy. Both should have an atmosphere of joy and fun.

A tribe over time gives a sense of belonging. – Tribes are a group of people that have something in common and give a place to belong. Shouldn’t we as the church want to provide our kids with a tribe? Everybody needs somebody who will show up when they know what they did. We need people who have history with us and still show up. You will never feel forgiven by people who don’t know you. They need to be known in such a way that they are welcomed by someone who knows them. Just like the prodigal son, we want them to know that they can come back. That no matter where they go and how far they go that they will always belong.

We are a tribe because of Jesus. Our mission is that each kid and teenager know that they have a place at the table. There will always be a chair at the table.

The way to leave a legacy is not to be famous with many people. The only people who are going to remember you are the ones that know you now.  Your legacy is going to be with the people you spend time with now. Invest in the people closest to you.

Reggie closed our time together with an invitation to the table as we shared communion together.

You can read more about the legacy marbles in Reggie's new books

Losing Your Marbles / Playing for Keeps

You can also get the Legacy Countdown app for iPhone here and Android here.

Orange Keynote Speakers & Their Books

There is such a fantastic lineup of keynote speakers at The Orange Conference this year.

Several of the speakers have written books and I wanted to share a list of some of them here.

Deep & Wide

by Andy Stanley

Love Does

by Bob Goff

The Catalyst Leader

by Brad Lomenick

Purpose Driven Youth Ministry

by Doug Fields

More or Less

by Jeff Shinabarger

Start

by Jon Acuff

Sticky Faith

by Kara Powell

One Question

by Ken Coleman

Unleash!

by Perry Noble

Just Lead!

by Sherry Surratt

Making Your Children's Ministry the Best Hour of Every Kid's Week

by Sue Miller

Of course I have to include my two favorite books by Reggie Joiner in this list.

Think Orange

by Reggie Joiner

Lead Small

by Reggie Joiner

You can check out the complete list of speakers here.

If you aren't able to make it to Orange this year, you can tune in via live stream to listen to everything from main sessions to live interviews.

Have you read any books by these speakers?

Which ones?

I am looking forward to hearing what each speaker will be sharing with us this year.

Blessings,

It Is Wonderful

It is wonderful each morning to tell about your love
and at night to announce how faithful you are.
Psalm 92:2

Blessings,

Into the Wilderness

Behold, I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness,
and I will speak tenderly and to her heart.
Hosea 2:14 

Blessings,