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December 5, 2008

Celebrating Life and bringing in His glory!

Admin

December 5, 2008

"Home is the resort of love, of joy, of peace, of plenty, Where supporting and supported, polish'd friends, And dear relations mingle into bliss!" James Thompson

"Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that He is God Himself." Psalm 100 1-3a

I think that when the Lord leads me to another book contract, I am the one most blessed when I have to discipline myself to write it. I am in the midst of writing a book about cultivating joy in the midst of disappointments and I am learning so much.

One thing I have been struck with lately is that God mentions gladness and joy over and over again--especially in His presence. There are also many references to shouts of joy and joyful singing and all in all, a jolly good time. I also read that a joyful heart is good medicine and am becoming aware of the idea that when I am filled with God's Spirit and obedient to Him, I will walk with joy as a natural overflow of His presence in my life. Light and love and beauty and gladness will spill forth from my life as well as from my heart and deeds.

I just can't imagine how wonderful the celebration banquet is going to be in His presence when we are at the marriage supper of the bride of Christ to the Lamb of God. I see so clearly that God created food and color and music and love and when we bring these into the moments of life, we are showing His reality as much as when we teach theology. I have always celebrated Christmas with our children--especially because it is such a wonderful time and way to bring all sorts of people into our home. It also provided the anchors that make the hearts of the Clarksons tied together. Both of my boys have said they just can't wait to be "home" and they just can't wait to be together. I think that even as love covers a multitude of sin, as Peter so adeptly said, celebration covers a multitude of flaws.

I am a flawed individual, but my heart is full of love and somehow, celebration of life has made what I have to offer to my children and to the Lord palatable. Joy, however, is something we have to cultivate. It is out of a heart of thanksgiving and acknowledging God. It is out of a mom heart--that says, "I am so blessed to have you as my children, to have this husband, this home and to have this God who will be faithful to us."

But, I also love what God has allowed me to know about all of these things. Celebrating that knowledge by bringing others into my home to share my love and His and all of the wonderful ways He has led my path, brings joy to our home. Here's just a few shots from these wonderful friends and groups in my home this week. And I am off this morning to put another quiche into the oven for a brunch with friends who will also be working side by side with us to encourage the moms who will attend the Colorado conference. These precious ones deserve and need to be spoiled, so we will celebrate this morning!

Have a wonderful day and serve the Lord with gladness!

A glam shot! My two sweet girls--Sarah and Joy--are in a wonderful company of Christian actors who are performing Scrooge 12 of 14 nights in a row and so each day they have to have to roll their hair into ringlets. They are having so much fun together.

Admin

December 1, 2008

Community inspires life

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December 1, 2008

I awakened to this when I opened my eyes!

I received such sweet letters and emails the past week as many of you shared about your hearts that were lonely. I wrote my article last week, because I have felt it myself --having moved 17 times in our marriage and know what it is like to long for a friend who understands you, prays with you, and also to have your children have such friends. There is a Biblical need and longing for community. Yet, in our day, community is not local as it used to be. It has to be intentionally built and cultivated.

In our days of faith-challenging changes of moral foundations and volatile uncertainties, in an era of confusion when biblical motherhood is often disdained or dismissed as irrelevant or unimportant in a post-modern culture, we are ripe for a movement of the Holy Spirit. There is need for an intentional movement of godly women to hold forth the ideals, to inspire confidence, strength, faith and good works and in the midst, to develop deep friendships--as I believe that God created women to be the wisdom bringers, gate-keepers and civilizers of culture through relationship.

I have a wonderful friend who is such a joy to me. She is 68, and yet her desire for bringing life and beauty and love to women so burns in her heart that she is almost always alive, energetic and engaged whenever I see her. She has made her home a haven, so that just to be inside her rooms is a pleasure. Soothing colors on her walls, pictures, small relics and treasures through out her home that bespeaks of the many places she has lived and traveled, her love of the Lord, her value for family. And always a candle lit, soft music playing, and a pot of fresh tea ready in case someone might want to come by for a few minutes of fellowship. There is a lovely little room in her basement, just ready for someone who needs to get away--two single beds waiting for the next guest.

Every year for the past 15 years, she opens her home to young moms once a week. Her "cupa" is shared, sweet fellowship for the first few minutes, prayer is offered, scripture is opened and taught and discussed as the Basic tenets of the Biblical design of women and mothers is studied and discussed. Literally hundreds of women have passed through her doors in these studies, including me. Each week, women leave with hope, conviction, ideas, love and renewed and refreshed spirits.

Where there are real relationships and real love and heartfelt devotion to the Lord, life takes place. God built us for relationship. God built us for love and friendship and intimacy--the desire to be known and still loved. When we as women experience this kind of relationship and warmth, our whole demeanor is different, our emotional and spiritual cups are filled and we become better at everything--walking with God, loving our children and husbands, bringing beauty in our homes and in reaching out with God's grace to others. It is what we were designed to do.

One of the reasons I have come to disdain television is that it replicates real life--but it is not real life--there are virtual friends, virtual stories, entertainment is sought to fill the cavernous holes and vacuums in the soul--but it replaces real relationships, real love, real ministry, real service and only placates and dulls the soul. Television replaces visiting and sharing friendship, book discussions, creativity--cooking, painting, sewing, writing letters, articles and books, reading aloud, playing games, having groups and families in the home and so we live an isolated existence. Consequently, Christians have not had an impact on culture--but media has. It has defined the moral values and character of this current generation. But it has not satisfied their souls. Real, hand to hand, voice to voice friendship and intimacy is what is longed for--hoped for.

That is why we must figure out a way in the midst of our busy-ness to recreate community and fellowship. We need to connect heart strings from one to the other--and have a helping hand for each other in the midst of our burdens and our joys. I do see an amazing thing taking place amongst many beautiful blogs and websites where women are connected to each other. I applaud the talented women who do such a great job at bringing these loving messages and beauty to each other all over the world. At this time in history, we are able to connect to women all over the world in a moment's time, to love and encourage.

Yet, we all need to know that there is someone nearby who is real, to touch, talk to, cry with--to know. Yet, I have learned that often, if this kind of fellowship was going to happen, I would need to be the one who would initiate it. God was an initiator--he came to give, he healed and blessed and taught and sacrificed. It was what we were also made to do. I travel so much that I cannot always do as much locally as I would like, but I have come to really appreciate the encouragement I receive when I open my home from so many sweet, like-minded women.

The first Tuesday evenings of each month is something I look forward to with growing excitement each month. About 35-40 women gather in my home and we meet over snacks, fellowship, the word and prayer.This is our third year running. This month, we will all bring our favorite Christmas appetizers or deserts and a favorite mug or tea cup. Christmas traditions will be shared and a devotion about the beauty of the soul and faith of Mary will be given, as together we reflect on the strategic role a mother played in the life of Christ.

Later in the week, I will have a luncheon for a sweet group of women who will help me with the Mom's conference here in Colorado Springs. Just meeting for lunch and working on a ministry project together will bring our hearts closer together. I will also have a Christmas tea for a few friends and some friends of my daughters as it is an anchor each year in our lives for the past 15 years. We will have a Christmas open house and invite people we know and people we don't know very well into our home for snacks and goodies, and to get to know some better. There are a couple of more dinners and pot lucks that my children have asked us to have for their various groups.

This will mean much more work for all of us, more cleaning, more cooking, more food shopping and preparation and more giving of all of us. And the goal this year is to do it on a strict budget--but I have found that others don't mind throwing their own snack or salad into the mix. This in the midst of the deadline of my book, my boys coming home for Christmas (yeah!!!!); ministry meetings for Clay and me and out of town company, and so I take a deep breath, knowing it will be quite busy. Not to mention the family Christmas traditions.

Yet, it is a commitment we have made--it is work we have decided ahead of time to embrace as a defense against the isolation and separation--the thing Satan would love to accomplish--the isolation and separation of people from loving and connecting and serving one another.

I think that when women have this kind of fellowship, they will hold to ideals, grow stronger, and continue to cultivate vision. Spiritual fellowship is essential to spiritual growth and hope. This is why Clay and I started our Mom's conferences many years ago--to give moms a chance to be in a room full of hundreds of others who celebrate these ideals. This is why I write my books, based on Biblical principles, with Bible study questions at the ends of each chapter, so that moms will gather in their own homes and do the same thing--experience that amazing fellowship and life that takes place when women take time to open their hearts together. It is why so many of you open your homes and teach small groups in your churches.

It is not about being a great teacher or hostess, but about having a heart to encourage. Anyone can light a candle, invite moms over and open the word of God over a chapter of a book. Then, somehow, the Lord take over and friendship and fellowship grows. I know of so many moms who say, "I can't add another thing to my already over-burdened life. Yet, I really believe that most women cannot afford not to reach out as it is a life-line to encouragement and hope. It also brings life, love and hope to a family.

Sometimes my house is clean and ready, and sometimes people have to come into my little piles--sometimes there is china and real food and sometimes there are paper plates and pizza. But my goal is love and friendship, not to be Martha Stewart. Some seasons, especially with small children, just a little group was all I could muster--especially during those ear-infected, asthma years--but we still made some attempts every year as a foundational commitment. Some seasons, I have been weary, wondering if anyone would every recipricate--but now, I have grown in this area, slowly, knowing that whether anyone recipricates is not the goal--just having that environment where life is and love is helps my soul.

This is where my passion has grown to start the Mom Heart Ministry--to establish spiritual groups of women all over the world who can stand strong together. To train leaders to start groups and supervise and encourage the moms who will also lead.To write devotional resources so that moms can have guidance in knowing how to study the Bible, a website that is geared to this spiritual fellowship and helps and messages and God's design and help.

I do look so forward to seeing what God will do at our Mom Heart meetings before our conferences this year and at our conferences. I hope that there will continue to be an army of women, committed to the well being of their children's spiritual life, education and training; marriages repaired, husbands love and supported, homes a place of life and beauty and grace. What a privilege to be a part of what God designed us to be and to know that by our faithfulness in this, we are going to see history changed as we live out what we are designed to do. I look so forward to seeing many of you there. But for those who can't come, know that our desire is to have a place for you to come hear the messages and to be encouraged with your own friends right where you are in your own homes, as we seek ways to make our conferences and materials available to your groups right where you are. (Of course it will only happen at a snail's pace if Clay and I have to get it all going in the midst of what is already on our plate--but we are counting on the Lord raising up a team of women--writers, administrators, web whizzes, and prayer warriors who will by God's grace be a part of what we think He is already doing!)

So, in the midst of the many activities this month, make time for fellowship, love, friendship and prayer together. When you model this to your children, they will become lovers of people instead of lovers of things; they will perceive themselves as people who have something to give and serve because they have had to do so in your home. They will learn to have compassion on the downhearted and lost because you made your home a place of refuge for all who would come there. These are the essential things that will fill their souls and satisfy their hearts. They, like us, were made for love and purpose not toys and things and entertainment. They were made to be a part of something bigger than themselves--they learn it by you being involved in others' lives and in your giving of yourselves as a family.

It doesn't have to start with something big. I could only do one activity a month when my children were little. But God grew my capacity over the years. He stretched me, he trained me, showed me how to be more efficient. Maybe when I grow up a little more, I will do it all better and give more easily. But it has become such an area of passion for me--to see the connection of real hearts to each other--real support--real friendships even as Jesus shared with His disciples. Have a wonderful week and gather with at least one person or family and celebrate friendship. I prayed for all of you this morning.Peace.

Sally Sally@wholeheart.org

Whole Heart Ministries

PS Be sure to connect to the conference links above at the top right column. Today we will be picking the November winners for the $50 coupon. If you advertise the conferences in December, you will also be entered into the drawing for 2 more $50 coupons to be applied to a conference, book tables or the book store. (Write to Jennice@wholeheart.org if you put an announcement on an email list, facebook, blog or other list!) We want to reach as many sweet moms as possible with the encouragement of our speakers and great fellowship! Thanks for your help.

Admin

November 25, 2008

A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving: An attribute that is caught when Taught Mentoring Monday

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November 25, 2008

"What shall I render to the Lord for all of His benefits toward me? To thee I will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, And call upon the name of the Lord, Oh, may it be in the presence of all His people; Praise the Lord!"

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday of the year. It is a time of family gathering, great food, and cozy times, but also a time of nurturing a thankful heart.

In general, I do not think thankfulness is a very natural trait. Most often, it seems to me, that people who are grateful are those who have been taught to be thankful--to acknowledge a kindness, to be trained to give words of graciousness to those who have blessed us. Training a child to be thankful is of utmost importance. It is a delightful experience to be around a child who has been trained to thankfulness. "Thank you for having me over. Thank you for that wonderful meal. Thank you for the ride. Thank you for the lovely gift." It makes me want to keep giving to that child or friend or family.

I recently had a very humbling experience. A sweet mom who is overflowing with pregnancy, and already has 3 wee children in her home, wrote an email to me and said, "I appreciate so much what you do by having all the women into your home every month and so before I have my baby in three weeks, I want to bring you two meals on two different days, and I want to have your house cleaned for you! I am so thankful for all the ways you have blessed me and taught me and encouraged me. So I didn't just want to say thanks. I wanted to show thanks to your family."

When she showed up at the door, she had a wonderful dinner, banana bread for the next morning for breakfast, bags of little extras, and an apology that she was 15 minutes late! As she walked in, Sarah saw how very pregnant she was and when she left, she commented, "Mom, we should be serving her a meal! She is the one who needs some rest and help. But it almost always seems that the busier people are, the more they are able to give. What a sweet mom."

It was a blessing to me in more ways than I can tell. I do Bible studies and fun nights in my home because I love to do them and I love the precious moms who come. But having her thank me, not just with words, but actions, deeply ministered to me. It really did mean a lot to me to know that these evenings had meant so much to this precious mom. She took time out of her busy schedule to sacrifice by blessing me. Her sacrifice not only filled our tummies and made it easier from me to have my Bible study (after her friend cleaned my house) but it really touched my heart and gave me a reason to keep doing this.

In the old testament, a sacrifice of thanksgiving was given by people who were to make unleavened cakes and unleavened wafers. It was something given as a praise and thanksgiving to God--acknowledging all that He was and all that He had done. A sacrifice of praise was to take time, intention and forethought.

Similarly, I think that it is of great importance to take time to thank God. But I have also thought that even as the mom greatly pleased me by serving me, that there is no better way to show God our thanks. I have pondered what that meant for Clay and me and the kids not just to thank God but to thank Him with our deeds as well. Slowly God has given me some fun ideas that have helped me feel direction for our family in helping nurture this area.

I think that one of the reasons David is such a picture of a man after God's own heart, was that he was constantly writing songs about God's goodness and faithfulness and thanking Him and praising Him. He believed in God's goodness, even in the midst of a very difficult life. But even more, as a king, He led all of the people in giving God the glory due His name. He called all of his people to sing, play instruments, worship and dance before God--he did it with all of His heart- because of a humble and overflowing heart that truly loved and treasured God. Practical applications to thanksgiving for our children give them patterns that they will practice the rest of their lives.

I must admit that most of my prayers going heavenward are petitions, requests. Yet, I am learning that thanksgiving is an exercise of my character that eventually influences my heart. When I look at my life with thankful eyes, it lifts my heart to see how truly blessed I am and makes all the other issues of my life seem less important. Thanksgiving not only pleases God, but it releases in me all the issues of my life. It gives me a power to be able to believe Him for great things. It causes my soul to soar because it puts me heavenward instead of earthbound. I don't think it is possible to have a truly thankful heart and to acknowledge God's sovereignty over all situations and a bitter heart at the same time--it is one or the other. God would have us be thankful.

On the occasion of my 50th birthday, Sarah made me a lovely gold framed list of 50 attributes that she appreciated about me. I have it in my bedroom and cherish it. Though I live with my shortcomings and weaknesses every day, her verbalizing to me what she loved about me has encouraged me again and again. For every year of my life, I am going to write down something I really am thankful for about the Lord. All of us are doing this as a practice this year. I did it this morning and find that by seeing all of His attributes and provisions and naming them, I am in a whole different frame of mind.

Slowly I am compiling a list of people that I am particularly thankful for. They will receive email cards telling them how much I love and appreciate them. The girls had an idea, too, of each of us picking 2 people who we think are under-appreciated and surprise them with something that will tell them we love them. It has been a growing area in our lives. Yet, over the years, we have noticed that it is those people who write thank you notes, who email life-giving words, who take the time to thank us who seem especially wonderful, because they have learned to be initiators. This area of initiating is a definite sign of good character. I have tried to teach my children that they need to have an internal sense of duty that tells them what is the right thing to do. Practicing doing the right things just because it is right to do helps them to be confident and a blessing, a pattern to follow, for the rest of their lives.

Finally, leaving thank yous on beds when we travel, surprise notes on pillows at nights, thank you texts on phones, email cards, are the ways that are easily added to busy lives. Giving my girls pretty thank you stationary in their stockings at Christmas, and especially, taking the time to be thankful for them has ended up blessing me, because they have become my best encouragers and most thankful.

Choosing to be thankful and learning to be content will fill your soul with peace and kindness and in the end, you will be happier and more thankful. It is a choice, a habit of practice, but will indeed create in you a more beautiful soul. Practicing what you want to be and what God wants you to be, just because it is right, will always end up blessing you in the end.

May I end by saying how thankful I am for so many of you--you work tirelessly every day, you are going to serve your family and children this week, you are faithful even when no one knows it--but you are indeed of the best and I pray that you will know that all those hours of cooking and loving this week are going deep in the hearts of your children. Have a happy, happy thanksgiving!

Sally

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November 19, 2008

Loneliness--a curse or a gift?

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November 19, 2008

I am sitting sequestered today in a living room of a time share in Breckenridge, Co. attempting to write 5 chapters of my new book about joy. I would rather be outside where it is beautiful or downtown in a coffee shop or perusing one of the darling gift stores or at the Christmas baking party of one of my friends--where my daughters are--but here I am, stuck in this little room, alone, again, working, again! And ironically, today, I am supposed to be writing about joy in the difficulties of life! I think the Lord has a sense of humor. Loneliness has been a constant companion for me for many years. It causes me to ache inside sometimes. It brings tears to my eyes and a longing for community. I long for like-minded kindred spirits who also like me! I loved what C.S. Lewis said, "We read to know we are not alone." I love having close, intimate friends, who "get" me.Those who know all about me and know my quirks and petty sins, and still get me. I also love being with like-minded friends who are passionate about the Lord, about ministry, about the Word and about family--who have ideals like mine, but who also love to have fun and celebrate life--my close friend must be someone who understands grace and giving grace--who has learned it by going around the track of life and by being humbles. There are not, in my intimate life, many who fit this longing and who also initiate to me--not many initiate to me. I also long for friends who both know and love my older children as well as Joy--as they are all--my older and younger family- a part of my heart and life.

But alas, so much of my life, I feel so alone, invisible in my needs to the world of hundreds of people who buzz in and out of my life. Part of it is because there is very little contact with family or emotional support. My children have not had the privilege of knowing the closeness of family and consequently, we are most often alone on holidays. Part of it is because I am also busy and because I hold ideals that are in a minority in this culture in this day at this time. But I thought if I have felt it so often and for so many years, you might, too, and I wanted you to know you are not unusual or alone--there are many of us like you!

I think there are many who feel this loneliness. In a world of isolationism-breakdown of families for every reason--moving all over the world and being separated physically, divorce, differing ideals, and just plain lack of commitment. there is an isolation in neighborhoods and no longer the simple community of people who hold your values and your faith. Add to that, isolation in church--where the paradigm is often a value for working moms (all of us work, don't we?) not always a value for those who stay at home with their children.

Yet, it has been this very loneliness that has driven me to the Lord. He has heard me over and over again and He has used this to open my heart to others who have needs, he has used it to humble me in my point of need so that I have more compassion for those who are also separated from support systems. As a matter of fact, most of what I write about has come from my struggles. This particular puzzle of my life, which I have a choice to live out in grace and faith or to live in the darkness of depression, has been for me the story of a God who loves me and shows me life and grace and light in the midst. It is choosing to seek Him and to hold on to his hand and to believe in His friendship that I have found strength and a way to keep going.

I got a letter from a friend last night who lives far away from me (most of my oldest and closest friends live far away) who told me she doesn't really have any friends left who identify with her. Just this morning, I talked with another friend, who has been involved in our ministry for years, who was telling me the same thing. I could tell you of almost 30 women, all who are leaders and helping speaking or writing or ministering to many, many women who feel the same way. As they say, it is lonely at the top. These precious women all feel that they give and give and give, but rarely receive much personal affirmation or validation. I have learned over the years that most people just assume these women don't need more encouragement or love--Perhaps it is like th 10 blind men who are healed but only one turns to thank Jesus. All of these women would seem like the type who would have lots of friends and lots of support systems, and yet they are lonely because so few initiate to them and then in their weariness they are tempted to think that their work or lives do not matter and that no one loves them. It is just what happened to Elijah and sometime I will have the time to write what I have been learning about him and through him.

I also know so many young moms who struggle with loneliness in their own homes with their little children. One idealistic young mom cried with me last week saying, "I just went upstairs for 3 minutes to put up laundry and when I came downstairs, my 3 year old had used a permanent marker to draw all over the naked body of my 18 month old and then drawn on my favorite blouse and the carpet. I thought to myself, "Is this what I want to do for the rest of my life? Take care of these children? Stay home by myself and do this day in and day out? Am I not more talented than this? Will I never have a bigger life?

I giggled at her story, but personally knew her feelings. She is so cute and fun and intelligent--just has her ideals about family life and children in a circle of friends who don't understand her or support her.

But, I just wanted you to know today, that you are not alone.God indeed loves you so much and is so very proud of your bringing life and beauty into your homes. He knows your struggles. He sees you and your needs to be loved and appreciated and filled up. He wants you to know that he likes fun and pleasures. Just this morning, I read, in His presence is fullness of joy, and in His right hand, pleasures forevermore. Just think about that--pleasures evermore! Psalm 30:5

He wants us to have pleasure. He made laughter and joy and food and color and music and hand holding and cuddling babies and puppies because he wants us to enjoy life. Consider with me, if you will, who would like for you to feel lonely? God or Satan? Who would just love for you to believe that your efforts aren't appreciated and don't matter? Satan, of course, would love for you to believe the lies!

So, if I could, I would have you all into my little living room right now for tea and chocolate. But as it is, I am going to pray for you. You must be a conductor of your own symphony and make a plan to place some pleasure, times with people, outings away from the messy home and sequestering of too many sinful children and moms in one small place--going to a park--for an ice cream--or anywhere will change your mood--just don't stay and stew where you are--

As for me, I am going to work like a crazy woman for 3 more hours and then go to a cafe this afternoon for a cup of soup and a little walk on the mountain. I am going to call at least two friends--far away--and tell them I love them. I know I will go downhill in my feelings if I don't make a plan.

I am going to plan some fun Christmas outings with me and my girls and my friends who are in town later today--because I know that if I cultivate friendships and memories, I will myself be blessed. It is just the truth that most people I know have to initiate to others and most often, their initiation will not be reciprocated, but if they wait until someone else initiates, they might be waiting forever and not get to have fun--so you plan fun and bless others who are lonely.

As I am writing and researching my book on joy, I am finding that one has to resolve to grab joy, every day, even in the midst of life--to see beauty, to choose to dance, to reach out because He reaches out and He is living through us, to also believe in heaven and hope in future fulfillment and to hold God's hand and receive His love by faith and to keep sowing seeds of love in others so that eventually the seeds will grow fruit.

We must tightly hold on to the ideal of community and fight for it, as it is in the community of loving believers where the reality of God is most felt. I have been so blessed with a couple of friends who love me and reach out to me because they made a commitment to me--not because I deserve it, but because they know I need it--even though my busy life of ministry alienates me from most local activities. But I believe this is what God has called me to--and I do not want to shrink back--but I just need to keep reaching for friends and close companions in the midst of it. And I so need these sweet friends who took the risk to intervene in my life and to bless me.

And now, I also see, that the greatest gift of all in the midst of my family's isolation and moving so much has been that we are the closest of friends.My children didn't have lots of people and so I didn't have much competition! We loved and had fun with each other out of necessity and the end result was that we are friends and love and enjoy each other each day by phone and email, not because we have to, but because we truly enjoy each other and are interested in each other's lives. My children have also experienced this loneliness--not many peers like them in today's world. Yet they are learning to lean into the life God has given to them and they are all best friends! Even after so many years of fussing and tussling--they ended up in love.

So, if you are feeling lonely today, please know I understand and God understands and you are not invisible to Him--it isn't even because you have done anything wrong or because of your personality--it is just a consequence of life in a very fallen, isolated world. So, determine not to let it get you down. Like yourself today, to make a plan, create beauty and call someone else who just might have needed to know that they were not alone in the world.

Now back to writing! Sally

PS Happy Birthday today, Joel. Twenty-two years ago, I was delighted to pop you out after an hour and fifteen minutes of labor in that Austrian hospital with Dad, Gwen, a doctor and nurse all peering into the event. You are a blessing to me.

Admin

November 16, 2008

Gentle Joel Please join me in prayer for him this birthday week!

Admin

November 16, 2008

Sweet Friends, I have a favor to ask of you. Will you help me give Joel a birthday present this week and join me in praying for God to open doors for him financially so he can attend Berklee School of Music in January? He also needs to find housing he can afford. (Hmmm that sounds familiar--oh, yeah--Nathan two months ago!) But I learned my lesson when you prayed with me for Nathan! I would feel so very grateful if you would join me in prayer for Joel this week.

Here is the whole story: My first son, Joel, turns twenty-two on Wednesday. As a little boy, he was my gentle child, always singing, designing lego cities and castles, drawing hundreds of designs of jeeps, and almost always happy. He would always make the other kids jealous because he could hear a song played on the piano or guitar and he would just sit down and begin to pick it out or play it by ear. I remember one year when we were visiting some friends in Boston, Joel sat down at a harp and began to pick out melodies as though he had been playing for years.

His first year after graduating from high school, Joel attended a worship school, as we have tended to have our kids spend the first year at home as a sort of transitional year into adulthood. At the end of that year, Joel received a several scholarship offers from universities but ended up taking a presidential scholarship at Seattle Pacific University. He so enjoyed his first year and worked while he took a full load of classes and still made a 3.5 average. However, at the end of his first year, he and Sarah were chosen to be interns at a ministry outreach in Cambridge University in England to work with Ranald McCaulay in a ministry outreach to students and professors. Upon return from their summer there, Joel began to pray about changing his major. He began to clep out of some basic classes and said, "I have always wanted to be a musician. I don't think I have much of a chance, but I really feel that if I don't try to get into Berklee school of music, I might regret it the rest of my life. I think it is the best school in the United States for what I want to do--become a composer."

So, last January he began to compose a song for his interview, which would take place in person in Boston. Now, as a mom, I felt insecure because with our 17 moves, travels in ministry and limited salary, Joel only had about 2 years of formal music lessons. But though he didn't have a depth in musical theory or much experience at reading music, he had lots of other strengths in just musical talent and a good ear all by God's grace and design. So our whole family prayed and friends prayed and Joel took a trip to Boston for his live audition. Before that time, he had to fill out pages upon pages of essays telling his philosophy, dreams, desire to study and so on.

He did great on his composition performance and probably was a little weak on the areas he hoped to study at Berklee--like theory! (You can hear his composition by connecting to this link: http://www.virb.com/thenorthcountry When you go to this site, place your cursor on The Night as Bright as Day.)

Then the wait began. They said it would be September before he would hear. This had been the year that I had truly decided that I was like the little boy who gave Jesus his fish and loaves and asked for a miracle. I had done my best, given my all to my children, but I knew that there were holes and that only the Lord could help to open doors for my children. This was the faith I depended on--that if the Lord wanted Joel into the school of his dreams, He would open the doors, knowing that He would be the one we would thank.

Finally, September 15, Joel got the word that he had been accepted at Berklee. We were all amazed and excited that now he was going to have the opportunity to pursue what he had wanted to do for many years.

It just happened that it was during the time of the bank failures. So, even though he was accepted, as a January student, there were no scholarships available, even though he pursued every office, every opportunity and every email address he could find. He was only offered $2500 in loans from government Fafsa loans, which is hardly enough to put his toe into the door. So, Joel kept working and praying that God would open the door for him somehow to get into school. In the midst of this, I sent him the book, The Spiritual Lives of Great Composers, which we had read from many years before.

The Lord seems to always use stories of faithful people who have gone before us to show us the way. Joel read several of the histories of the great composers. He called me last Friday and was renewed in his confidence to trust the Lord. He said, "Mom, all of these great men had to work so diligently. Most of them were dirt poor and they had to devote themselves to practice and discipline for years upon years. But because they worked hard, they became great.They also had this in common--they performed and composed for the glory of God. The most amazing thing was and epoch statement that Bach made. He said that anyone could do what he did if they would work as hard as he worked. I know I will never be a Bach, but I want to do what he did and work to my capacity. I really want to try to find a way to make it work for me to go ahead and start school in January. I am not afraid of working hard. I think I can make good grades and be a good student and then maybe I can get scholarships the end of my first year. I really want to do my best to become a composer."

So, now, we are placing ourselves once more in the hands of the Lord and know that in some way He will greatly show his faithfulness. Having been involved in ministry for so many years, we have not had a lot extra to put into college for the kids. Yet the Lord has met our needs every year. But we have put our names on loans for the kids for their cars and for the school loans they have had to take out. All of our children have worked hard and have been able to pay their basic bills. But we are not sure if Fafsa will give loans to Clay and me as we have heard that all such student loans are very difficult to get since the fall of the banks and since we have already applied to Fafsa for financial aid and Joel just received a little. .

Yet, having seen the Lord work so wonderfully before in our lives with Nathan in New York city, we want to ask you to please join us in praying for Joel this week as we make one final attempt to secure a loan so that he can start school. Will you please pray for Joel to see God open a door for him with us? He is willing to keep working, but he has also come to the point of wanting to see God open doors in such a way that many will see His reality.

I used to worry so much more, but I have seen God's ways more clearly in the past few years. When I wanted things to be easy, God was allowing them to be a challenge--because He was a Father with a training heart. He was answering my prayers, (Lord, please build my boys into godly men.) His ways are to build Joel into a stronger man so that he can be prepared for more difficult challenges ahead. Having had to work, to strain towards his dreams, to grapple with the Lord about how to make it all happen could be as important to the making of his character as school will be to his music education. I see his spiritual muscles growing, his confidence in God building and his whole life being stretched and in all of this, he will be much more prepared to be the godly, strong man God would have him be.

So, Happy Birthday, dear, wonderful Joel. I can't wait to see what the Lord has waiting for you.

I love you! Mom

(And thanks to you wonderful friends who join me in prayer before the Lord's throne.)

PS Joel's email address is jicmusicguy@gmail.com

Admin

November 14, 2008

Snowy day and Way of Life Discipleship

Admin

November 14, 2008

Joy running Kelsey in the first snow! (Sorry about your head, Joy!

"He established a testimony in Jacob and a law in Israel, Which he commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children, that they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God and keep His commandments." Psalm 78

We knew it was coming, but this fall was a prolonged splendor of crisp, autumn days perfect for hiking. We so enjoyed our jaunts by the national forest several days a week knowing that they would be gone too soon. This morning, I opened my eyes and saw swirling, blowing snow rushing about outside my window. (We don't have any curtains on our bedroom windows as we face our backyard which has no one in our sites.)

Now, I knew plan b must go into action. We were going to an outing, but I knew the snow would cancel it. Now I already know that we will not do math--we never do math on Fridays! We can snuggle up for a longer Bible reading and have a longer talk over breakfast. I think I will read out of the Celtic devotion I have been enjoying.

Now the day holds at least one or two cups of tea and or hot chocolate, the fire burning and reading out-loud for at least an hour. A perfect day for teaching Joy how to make Broccoli soup to go with the bread we made yesterday.

And that blog she was going to start for girls in their 10-15 year old range--maybe I could assign an article and have her work on the design, since her computer class was canceled today.

And I need her to listen to the song Nathan has picked out for her to sing with him at the competition in January. She will have to pick out the one minute segment she thinks will be best. Piano practice and playing a fun card game in between should make a great day of memories and input.

Of course talking, talking, talking--gigging, correcting, a fair bit of eating and nibbling.

I have that peace and assurance that these are the very kind of days that are shaping Joy's heart, soul, mind and filling her emotional tank along the way--giving her appetites for the right things in life, stretching her mind by exposing her to ideas and thoughts from others, giving her a chance to exercise her own skill at creating, writing, performing, putting her imprimatur on all sorts of things in our home. The Lord and people and life drift in and out of our conversations all day long naturally, because these are the things of our real hearts. It's not a formula, but a relationship that starts with Him and ends with her.

How I like these gifts of time, knowing that my window of time into Joy's heart is going to close sooner than I can imagine. Having three siblings before her gives me grace, freedom and peace in the midst of her varied days knowing it will all turn out well. I don't worry about the result, I just enjoy the time I have, knowing God will be at work.

I love seeing her grow and stretch her wings. She has a little job with MOPS babysitting all the children for 2 hours during their Bible study--makes $40 a month (got a $1 raise yesterday!) and it helps her to give to the Lord, save a bit and then have some money all her own to spend on things she enjoys. "Mom, I just wish I could teach some moms how to be Moms!" she said as she hopped in the car yesterday.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, you can really tell the children who are nurtured and have had their souls filled with love and training." (wonder who she has been hanging around with or listening to! :) ) Some of them seem happy and are easy to take care of and steer in the right direction and some are always whining, and or fighting or hitting. And you won't believe it but one child was fine until her mom came to pick her up and when she did, the little girl clung to me and started crying. Her mom yelled at her and said, 'I am gong to McDonalds without you and I am going to leave you here!' I can see why she wouldn't want to go with her- she had no clue how to gently reach the heart of her little girl."

"What would you do instead, Joy?" and so began a 15 minute discussion while munching our sandwiches together.

At thirteen, whether I like it or not, Joy is beginning to strain toward adulthood. I am becoming more and more a guide to build on the foundations she has been given. But I also know that her movement in that direction will provide me with another adult best friend. So even though I hate the thought of her growing up, I love the thought of seeing her flourish and spread her wings to take the messages of her heart and mind--and to build the legacy, hopefully, into the lives of her children, that the baton of righteousness may be passed on and on faithfully to my children and grandchildren. (Please, Lord, bring my children godly spouses in your time! and give me a grandchild to fret over before Joy leaves! )

And to think this is what God designed me to do--to enjoy my days with the ones I love, talk and have fun, create life and enjoy my day and in this to be building His kingdom. What a privilege! What fulfillment. What fun.

Admin

November 12, 2008

Colorado Springs and Raleigh, NC Mom's conference coming!

Admin

November 12, 2008

Dear Friends, We have heard from so many of you in the past few days. It means so much to us to know we have kindred spirits in so many areas. We have women who travel to our conferences literally from all over the world, so we know that your emails and announcements might just reach that mom who is feeling alone or discouraged. We pray the Holy Spirit will make lots of ways to help sweet moms be able to attend.

We have had so many letters from those of you who attended the Colorado Springs conference last year to have another one here in my home area. There will be a weekend conference here after all! We will post the details of this conference later this week. For now, it will be the weekend of January 16th-17th at New Life Church. The conference will be Friday night and all day Saturday, with a possible Mom Heart afternoon tea for those interested in becoming leaders. We have made arrangements with the Residence Inn across the street to reserve one and two bedroom suites so that you can make it a retreat with your friends. At least two speakers will be joining me and possibly three, so it will be a very wonderful time of fellowship.

We will also be hosted in a similar conference in Raleigh, North Carolina and will be posting more information about that very soon. Since we will not be there until March, we have a little longer to put the information online.

For you sweet moms who live beyond our conferences, please know that we hope to video tape these very soon or even to host an online conference so that you may enjoy these from your homes. We appreciate hearing from all of you and thank you so much for helping us to reach out to and encourage the moms of this generation to build their children into Godly adults by influencing their children in their homes.

Blessings and abundant thanks for all of your help. Sally Sally@wholeheart.org

Admin

November 11, 2008

WholeHearted Mother Conferences 2009 in NC, CA, and TX

Admin

November 11, 2008

Dear WholeHearted Moms,

There is a wholehearted mother described in Scripture. She has a good husband, a house-full of children who love her, a passion for building her home, a heart for solving problems and being resourceful, and she fears and serves the Lord. I'm sure life wasn't any easier then for this mission-minded mother than it is now for you and me, but this is how she is described:

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.

I'm sure you recognize the Proverbs 31...mother. If she were here today, I'd ask her to come speak at our 2009 WholeHearted Mother Conferences. As I have prayed and planned what God would have me share with all the wonderful moms who will come to this year's gatherings, this godly woman is on my heart. In these faith-challenging times, when there is a pall of economic uncertainty hanging over all of us, I want to give us all reasons as godly moms to be known as women of strength and dignity. I want every woman to know she can look the future full in the face and smile because she knows God is there. That is my message this year:

Smiling at the Future with Faith ~ Building Your Heart

and Home on Solid Foundations

That is a message I believe many moms need to hear. Especially now. That's why I have a big favor to ask of you this year. In order to conserve our modest ministry financial resources (remember the "economic pall"?), we are not printing a full-color brochure and mailing it to our entire list like we have done in the past. Instead, we will be promoting the conferences almost entirely on the internent and through word of mouth. That means we need as many "mouths" to spread the "word" as we can find. Will you help me tell other moms about our conferences?

Tell Other Mothers about the WH Mother Conference!

If you have a blog, or a newsletter, or a group, would you consider posting, sending, or handing out an announcement about this conference? If the word gets out, and moms get in, that will save us over $10,000 as a ministry! That would be great. We know you don't need an incentive to want to help us, but as our way of saying "Thanks!" we'll do two things:

1) Everyone who participates will receive a free Our 24 Family Ways Kids Color-In Book, and

2) Everyone who participates will be entered into a drawing for six $50.00 Gift Certificates.

The Color-In Books can be picked up at the conferences (or mailed if you send us postage). Two Gift Certificates will be given away each month in November, December, and January. If your name is drawn, your certificate may be used like cash at the conference book table, or applied to a new conference registration (not redeemable for refund or cash). You will be entered in the monthly drawing each time you create a new post, send out a newsletter, or distribute a flyer to your group. Reporting will all be on the honor system, so just send us an email with your name, address, phone number, and the date and description of your participation. Send it to Jennice Jones, our wonderful admin assistant, at admin@wholeheart.org. At least one participation email will also make you eligible for your free Kids Color-In Book.

We're trying to get there soon, but we're not quite tech-savvy enough yet to provide banners and graphic goodies to use. What we can offer to help you will be at the bottom of this newsletter. Use whatever you need, and we'll try to provide more soon. Spread the word! Thanks.

Help Single Moms Attend a WH Mother Conference! But there's another way you can help, too. We know that there are many single parent mothers and widowed mothers who would really like to come to the conference. They need the getaway and company of other mothers more than most, but some are unable to attend due to financial constraints. We have always offered hardship scholarships, but we can offer only partial assistance due to fixed costs. This year, we would like to try something new. We will establish a Mom Alone Blessing Fund to be able to provide full registration scholarships to single moms who are unable to attend. This will be a permanent fund of Whole Heart Ministries, so any money remaining in the fund after the conferences will be used only to bless single parenting mothers. Your entire gift will be tax deductible. Be sure to designate it for the "Mom Alone Blessing Fund." You can send a check to Whole Heart, or donate online and send us an email to let us know it is for the fund. If you are able to help financially, you can provide a tremendous blessing to a mom alone. Thank you!

Be a Part of Mom Heart to Minister to Mothers Worldwide!

Finally, there's one more thing new this year, and you can be a part of it, too. We are humbly launching the Mom Heart Ministry initiative at this year's conferences. Mom Heart, as God has put the burden and vision in my heart, is the next step in my over twenty years of ministering to mothers. Mom Heart is a motherhood small groups movement that, I am praying, will help restore God's heart for motherhood to the next generation. I believe mothers, by God's design at creation, are strategic to the spiritual health of the family and the wholeness of their children. I want to spend the rest of my life championing the cause of biblical motherhood, and encouraging and equipping mothers around the world to become all that God intends them to be.

I envision not just another program, but a movement of small groups in the U.S. and around the world in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. When fully implemented, it will include leadership training materials and events, Mom Heart Group Bible studies and discussion guides, an interactive website where moms and groups can network for mutual encouragement, a digital Mom Heart Mom-e-Zine, downloadable and streaming audio and video resources, print resources, and much more. As Habbakuk says, though, "For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay." So, as we wait for it, here's what you can do to become a part of Mom Heart:

1) Pray for Mom Heart. We are just beginning to inch forward with the vision. Sandra Maddox, our featured speaker for the Conferences this year, is partnering with me to help shepherd this burden into a ministry. We will be planning, looking for staff, and developing resources together. We need the prayers of mothers who share our burden for biblical motherhood.

If you have a blog, or a newsletter, or a group, would you consider posting, sending, or handing out an announcement about this conference? If the word gets out, and moms get in, that will save us over $10,000 as a ministry! That would be great. We know you don't need an incentive to want to help us, but as our way of saying "Thanks!" we'll do two things:

1) Everyone who participates will receive a free Our 24 Family Ways Kids Color-In Book, and

2) Everyone who participates will be entered into a drawing for six $50.00 Gift Certificates.

The Color-In Books can be picked up at the conferences (or mailed if you send us postage). Two Gift Certificates will be given away each month in November, December, and January. If your name is drawn, your certificate may be used like cash at the conference book table, or applied to a new conference registration (not redeemable for refund or cash). You will be entered in the monthly drawing each time you create a new post, send out a newsletter, or distribute a flyer to your group. Reporting will all be on the honor system, so just send us an email with your name, address, phone number, and the date and description of your participation. Send it to Jennice Jones, our wonderful admin assistant, at admin@wholeheart.org. At least one participation email will also make you eligible for your free Kids Color-In Book.

We're trying to get there soon, but we're not quite tech-savvy enough yet to provide banners and graphic goodies to use. What we can offer to help you will be at the bottom of this newsletter. Use whatever you need, and we'll try to provide more soon. Spread the word! Thanks.

Help Single Moms Attend a WH Mother Conference!

But there's another way you can help, too. We know that there are many single parent mothers and widowed mothers who would really like to come to the conference. They need the getaway and company of other mothers more than most, but some are unable to attend due to financial constraints. We have always offered hardship scholarships, but we can offer only partial assistance due to fixed costs. This year, we would like to try something new. We will establish a Mom Alone Blessing Fund to be able to provide full registration scholarships to single moms who are unable to attend. This will be a permanent fund of Whole Heart Ministries, so any money remaining in the fund after the conferences will be used only to bless single parenting mothers. Your entire gift will be tax deductible. Be sure to designate it for the "Mom Alone Blessing Fund." You can send a check to Whole Heart, or donate online and send us an email to let us know it is for the fund. If you are able to help financially, you can provide a tremendous blessing to a mom alone. Thank you!

Be a Part of Mom Heart to Minister to Mothers Worldwide! Finally, there's one more thing new this year, and you can be a part of it, too. We are humbly launching the Mom Heart Ministry initiative at this year's conferences. Mom Heart, as God has put the burden and vision in my heart, is the next step in my over twenty years of ministering to mothers. Mom Heart is a motherhood small groups movement that, I am praying, will help restore God's heart for motherhood to the next generation. I believe mothers, by God's design at creation, are strategic to the spiritual health of the family and the wholeness of their children. I want to spend the rest of my life championing the cause of biblical motherhood, and encouraging and equipping mothers around the world to become all that God intends them to be.

I envision not just another program, but a movement of small groups in the U.S. and around the world in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. When fully implemented, it will include leadership training materials and events, Mom Heart Group Bible studies and discussion guides, an interactive website where moms and groups can network for mutual encouragement, a digital Mom Heart Mom-e-Zine, downloadable and streaming audio and video resources, print resources, and much more. As Habbakuk says, though, "For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay." So, as we wait for it, here's what you can do to become a part of Mom Heart:

1) Pray for Mom Heart. We are just beginning to inch forward with the vision. Sandra Maddox, our featured speaker for the Conferences this year, is partnering with me to help shepherd this burden into a ministry. We will be planning, looking for staff, and developing resources together. We need the prayers of mothers who share our burden for biblical motherhood.

2) Be a Mom Heart Leader. If you share my heart for biblical motherhood, please consider becoming a Mom Heart Group leader. If you are interested, you will have an opportunity to respond at the conference, or you can send an email to Jennice in our office at admin@wholeheart.org.

3) Attend a Mom Heartbeat Brunch. Watch for more information about this special brunch on Friday morning of the Conferences. If we are able to work out the arrangements at each of the hotels, it will be a time for you to hear in more detail about the vision and plans for Mom Heart Ministry. There will be a small cost to attend, which will include a light, mid-morning brunch.

Links & Info to Promote the WH Mother Conference

NORTH CAROLINA January 23-24, Charlotte, NC (Church at Charlotte) Conference Early Registration Deadline: Friday, DECEMBER 26 (Save $10)

Hotel: The Marriott Charlotte SouthPark

Room Rate: $109/night (guaranteed through December 26)

Reservations: 704-364-8220 704-364-8220 704-364-8220 704-364-8220

Click Here for a PDF Information Sheet about the NC Conference. Click Here for a PDF Registration Flyer for NC (full page, one side, flyer with registration form).

Click Here for a PDF Registration Handout for NC (half page x2, landscape) CALIFORNIA

February 6-7, Irvine, CA (Crowne Plaza Irvine Hotel) SPECIAL Early Registration Deadline: Friday, NOVEMBER 14 (Save $20!)

Early Deadline: January 9 (Save $10) Hotel: The Crowne Plaza Irvine Room Rate: $85/night (guaranteed through January 23)

Reservations: 949-863-1999 949-863-1999 949-863-1999 949-863-1999

Click Here for a PDF Information Sheet about the CA Conference. Click Here for a PDF Registration Flyer for CA (full page, one side, flyer with registration form).

Click Here for a PDF Registration Handout for CA (half page x2, landscape)

Click Here for a PDF Registration Handout for TX (half page x2, landscape)Register by Phone:

Thank You! It will be so good to be with you again for our 11th year. I'm praying all the moms who come this year will be refreshed and renewed in the Spirit of the Lord so they, too, with strength and dignity can smile at the future. Thank you for helping me spread the word virtually. I look forward to sharing my mom heart with you. Grace and peace.

TEXAS February 20-21, Irving-DFW, TX (Dallas Marriott Las Colinas) SPECIAL Early Registration Deadline: Friday, NOVEMBER 28 (Save $20!) Early Deadline: January 23 (Save $10) Hotel: Dallas Marriott Las Colinas Room Rate: $83/night (guaranteed through February 6) Reservations: 972-831-0000 972-831-0000 972-831-0000 972-831-0000 Click Here for a PDF Information Sheet about the TX Conference. Click Here for a PDF Registration Flyer for TX (full page, one side, flyer with registration form).

888-488-4466 888-488-4466 888-488-4466 888-488-4466 or 719-488-4466 719-488-4466 719-488-4466 719-488-4466 . Jennice will take your registration M-Th 9:00-3:30, or leave a message and she we will return your call as soon as possible. Register by Fax: 888-FAX-2WHM (329-2946). Use a downloadable PDF Registration Flyers (links above), fill out the form, and mail in or fax in the registration.