Serving up excellence, character, appreciation and inspiration!

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." --John Quincy Adams

"Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend." Jesus Christ

With 5 conferences over a period of a few weeks, hundreds of details to take care of, hotels to be dealt with, emails to write, talks to prepare, it is very easy for me to gloss over my children at home and to say, "I have so much to do and so many important tasks on my plate, I do not have time at this moment to attend to your needs."

But, my integrity is based on what I live at home. I have a highly driven teenager who is shaping her ideals, watching her parents, listening to what is happening in our home. I am so grateful for her because she daily reminds me what is real, what is true and what really matters.

Last weekend, though the conference went well and hopefully many were blessed, Joy worked like a trooper. My children have all had to learn how to set up book tables, handle registration, stay up long hours waiting on me, putting up with the exhaustion of one more airplane, one more bag to carry, one more women who wants to talk. And Saturday morning at our conference, after having had layer upon layer of difficulty in the logistics of the conference in relationship to the hotel, I almost blew a gasket.

Ironically, the next hour, I was to speak about cultivating an optimistic, joyful spirit. I talked very strongly to one of the managers at the hotel about needing some things to take place immediately, as women were already waiting at the ball room door. And then the Holy Spirit put his finger on my heart, "Go upstairs! Go now! Prepare your heart to give your message with integrity--you do not have to control everything! Go now!"

And so I went upstairs. I quickly told Joy of our dilemmas, and asked her if she could go downstairs and be sure that everything would be prepared for the opening session, and went to my room and prayed, got my spirit right and focused on my verses for the morning. When I went into the ballroom, the tablecloths had been changed, the tables decorated, the water was out and it was ready for the morning. Joy had jumped in and I found out that 6 other women who were attending the conference had also jumped in to help and get everything ready for the day. How I appreciated that I had a daughter who could manage and be trusted. How humbled I was that these precious moms who had come to be refreshed and renewed had become servants to the rest of the women there, and helped to make the day ready for a blessing.

And so, God put it on my heart, "You need to serve Joy and speak encouragement and gratefulness into her life for all that she is: trustworthy, dependable, and generous of spirit."

And so, her favorite salad, (mixed greens, toasted pecans, avocado, cranberries, onion, and feta), and little finger sandwiches, hot Yorkshire Gold tea with our meal; and a chocolate torte  for desert. Candles, china, fresh flowers from the conference, music and time to say, "I prepared this for you. I appreciate you. I believe in you and in your dreams."

Joy shared with me how much she was enjoying the book Clay had passed on to her--The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. She ended up challenging my own life. We both agreed we wanted to keep pursuing excellence as a result of our talk. I shared my vision. She shared some of hers. Our meeting of hearts took on epic proportions--books, music, influence, romance, plans.

The more I read the Word, the more I ponder Christ, the more I see that ministry--real, deep, life-changing influence-- comes from time invested, to talk, share, pray, listen, laugh, cry. It is what Jesus did. It is what I must do if I really want to have a heart-felt impact on those God has called me to serve.

And so a memory made, dreams shared, character challenged, and love cultivated. So an ordinary Wednesday became a day in which hearts were shaped and drawn closer together, because Joy is really the priority of my life during this season of my life.

YOUR MOM HEART MATTERS! It really does--California closing!

"What a blessing to have been amongst hundreds of women singing Holy, Holy, Holy, laughing, sharing in friendship and being inspired to live a holy and purposeful life as moms! I can't thank you enough. My life is changed forever!" was the email of one sweet mom who attended the Mom's conference last weekend.

I am finally at the age where I see that all of my ideals mattered. The training, love, reading, discipline, prayers, meals, traditions were all going deep into the heart soul and mind of my children. God's calling on our lives has a wonderful reward and fulfillment. I am so very grateful to have been a part of His ministry and hand cultivating my precious ones into adults with a loving, passionate heart. A friend put this on her facebook today and it was a reminder to me of my convictions and how I still feel.

As it is, after eighteen years (NOW 27)  of learning the truth of living sacrificially, I have found that embracing God's call to motherhood once and for all has brought me great peace. Instead of seeing fusses and messes as irritations in my day, for instance, I am more likely to see them as opportunities to train my children to be peacemakers and to learn to be responsible for their own messes. Instead of resenting the interruptions in my schedule, I am more likely to accept them as divine appointments. More and more, I have learned to see my children through the eyes of God and to accept the stages of growth through which he has designed them to grow."

-Sally Clarkson, The Mission of Motherhood

Last weekend was such an incredible weekend. We had a full to overflowing crowd in Colorado Springs and had to close registration. Now, we are almost full in California. Please be sure to register this weekend by Sunday, midnight, or you may not be able to get a seat or a meal. If you or your friends are planning to come to the California conference, PLEASE BE SURE TO REGISTER ASAP AS WE ARE FILLING UP AND WE MAY BE FULL BEFORE VERY SOON! If you know of a friend who is planning to come but has not registered, please let them know we are almost full. Many moms have already written us to tell us what a grand weekend it was for them, and we don't want anyone who was planning to come to miss out.

I know you will be greatly blessed if you attend. Help us get the word out to your friends and be sure to register as we may not be able to add to our numbers after Monday due to the provisions of the facility of the California conference.

And remember, for all of you staying at the hotel on Saturday night, I will have a pajama party in my room for those of you who want to talk and have some one on one time.

Itza Pizza Pie Tonight!

The kids huddle around the glass window of our oven, watching as the cheese melts and the dough starts to rise just a bit with a golden crust while they count down the longest 15 minutes of their life. I wish you could smell this lovely pizza pie! It's piping hot, right out of the oven and I can't cut it into squares quick enough for my family! Funny to me that they prefer mom's homemade pizza pie over any pizzaria...no joking!  It might have to do with the many variations we have created, or that my kids can make it on their own, or that it just is one of the all time ultimate comfort foods! I know as moms we all have days when we don't necessarily want one more thing to do. But Pizza Pie is quick and can have as many or as little toppings as you like.  This one is super easy and again, use what you have in your pantry and refrigerator already.  I usually make this meal when I am at the end of my menu and can't get to the store till tomorrow, because we always have canned goods and cheese!  I have even used frozen shredded cheese right from the freezer and it comes out just as good!

The kids really enjoy helping with this meal, so let them take over, or at least let them help you grate the cheese or chop the veggies! It doesn't really matter what it looks like...it's pizza!  We do make our own wheat pizza dough in our Bosch, but you can buy dough in the freezer section or better yet, get it from the bakery if you don't make your own. Just be sure to call ahead to the grocery store and let them know how much you will need.  Keep it in the refrigerator until ready to use.Here is a very simple recipe for you.

Pizza Pie

*this is for one pizza

pizza dough  (can make homemade, buy from bakery section, or freezer section of store)

small can tomato paste

small can of tomato sauce or alfredo sauce

**Toppings**

1 or 2 types of cheese   (any kind - Depending on type of pizza you are creating)

Italian seasoning

basil (fresh or dried)

fresh tomatoes - diced

spinach - chopped

(or anything that you have; such as mushrooms, olives, peppers, chives, onion, artichokes, Canadian ham, leftover cooked chicken breast, bacon)

salt/pepper/olive oil to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Grease large cookie sheet with sides and place dough on sheet.  Press out with hands or use a rolling-pin to cover bottom of sheet and make a crust by pushing up against the sides. Cover the dough with tomato paste using a spatula or back of a large spoon lightly so that you don't cause tears in the dough. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and basil. Next, pour the sauce onto dough and spread with back of spatula or large spoon. Now add the cheese(s) and fresh toppings. Finish with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil on top.  Place into the oven for about 15 min. or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.

**You can also make ahead of time and stick it in your refrigerator until ready to cook! Cover with plastic wrap loosely.  Add a salad for a complete meal!

Hold on to love, laughter, beauty until the end-it is your grace

This morning I am listening to Ralph Von Williams on my Pandora.

I poured myself a cup of Yorkshire tea and lit all the candles around me.

I sat in front of these beautiful roses left from the weekend. I am looking out on tall, lean pines amidst the bluish-purpleish gray sky, with gleaming white snow peaking out here and there. I am taking time to love Jesus and tell Him how very happy I am that He is real and with me--that He has painted the sky and made music to stir my soul and that He is with me loving me. I am seeking to cultivate love notes to heaven as I appreciate the lover who is invisible but here in my life today.

Last weekend I spoke at the conference, I met so many beautiful, precious women who have deep burdens to bear--a prodigal son or daughter; a heavy and dark marriage partner who refuses to love or give grace; many with chronic illness--cancer, MS, and others; children who are downs syndrome with moms new to these precious babies and figuring out a new sort of life, single moms who have been abandoned by their husbands. I could go on. I am familiar with deep sadness in my own life, some things I will never be able to share publicly because I believe in loyalty and protection of my family from the public eye.

We are subject all round us to the consequences of a fallen world--so beautifully made, so scarred and marred by the illness of our souls that has created havoc, abounding in so many corners.

Much of the sadness or at least sad circumstances will be with these precious women, who are in my heart, for many, many years--if not their whole lives.

But the circumstances of their lives does not need to define who they are or how they live. Home is a place to light a candle in the darkness, to bring hope to sadness, to celebrate that He has overcome the world. Yet, making home the best place to be requires a grid that says, "I am the one called to bring light."

I often hum the Steve Green song from scripture, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

I have added my own verses, "Do not be overcome by darkness, but overcome darkness with light."

"Do not be overcome by hatefulness, but overcome hatefulness with love."

"Overcome death with life."

"Overcome sadness with joy and celebration in the midst of the mundane."

The invisible, the Lover, the maker of beauty, the servant King is in our midst as a devoted Father. He is a bridegroom preparing a wedding feast. He is a wonderful counselor who has compassion on us when we feel lost. He is a shepherd who lays down His life for his sheep and leads them beside still waters.

As long as I keep my soul alive by dwelling in His presence, remembering the roles he plays in my own life, as long as I cultivate and practice a heart of love and give it and live in it, I can overcome the darkness--all darknesses of my soul here on earth. But love and beauty and faith must be cultivated daily, in His presence, looking for His reality, so that my heart will be filled with the reality of Him and His overcoming goodness and redeeming light.

The glory of a woman is her ability to stir up Life in this dark world. We are born to civilize, to encourage, to inspire, to heal. Women are most beautiful when they are engaged in creating the reality of His life and love wherever they go. But this love comes from intentional cultivation--it is the grid that we see life through--I am created to be an overcomer, an artist who leaves beauty, a counselor who brings peace, a magician who brings hope and laughter in the very midst of despair.

And so today, I become a co-creator with Him, who is the source of all that is beautiful and good--celebrating His reality into the midst of this puzzle that is called my life.

The strength of any woman is built on a foundation of what she cherishes, practices, waters, cultivates. Love is there, waiting to strengthen--the soul of a great woman depends on Him flowing in and through every day.

It's Monday--be kind to yourself today!

Cappicino with extra whip!

What a great weekend. Hundreds of sweet moms of every age, lots of talking, giggling, estrogen and great friendship and inspirational talks. Lots of adrenalin and energy invested!

But I have found over the years, what goes up, must come down. Mondays are that sort of day. Weekends are off schedule, activities, sweets, church, friends, food--and then it is "getting back to the grind" Mondays.

I think Mondays are days for grace--be kind to yourself. Put beauty into your day. Turn on some music. Kiss a few people and touch them. Dance to music as you wash the dishes.

Get a cup of coffee with an extra shot.  Eat at least one square of dark sea salt chocolate almond. Forgive yourself today. If you forgive yourself, you won't be so grumpy and harsh and we all know that harshness creates tension--it doesn't create order.

"Mom, when you feel happy and sing and dance around the house, we all feel like we are on top of the world," said Joel.

Be happy, give your burdens to God. Everyone will be the better for your day. And so I am planning for a grace-filled day, because I know there are lots of demanding days ahead and I am pacing myself--with my heart aimed at joy.

Sunday Pondering ~ Forgiven

Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

We cannot be perfect, ever, no matter how sincere we are, no matter how hard we try.

It is why the great physician came, to heal, to love, to comfort us. Today, He has washed away all evidences of your sin. Your flaws, your anger, your regrets--all washed away. Your soul is as pure and white as snow.

Halleluja! What a savior! Praise God for His chasing me, adopting me, loving me, bearing with me, forgiving me. What a savior. Blessed Sunday to you.

How Could I do Without Friends?

Some of my treasured friends.

This morning, as I awakened before the sun was up as usual, I lit my candles, made a cup of tea and peered out on the sparkling snow crystals that were shining in the moon light. As God sat with me, He spoke to me of the grace and generosity He had given to me through angel friends.

My sweet friends have given me hope in my dark times. Fun and adventure to create memories to visit over and over again. Help when moving. Serving side by side through years of ministry, in Vienna, Poland and all over the US. Friends to help with children. Friends to celebrate milestones. Friends to pray me through crisis.

I could not list all of my friends and could certainly not put up pictures of them all, so I won't even try. But, I spent this morning writing to just some of my friends to tell them I love them. To cheer them along their way. To give words of hope. They are one of my greatest gifts worth treasuring and I want them to know they are thought of and prayed for today. Is there a friend in your life who needs to know your love? Do you want to have friends to fill that void in your heart? Then, today, send words of love, write a card, buy some flowers, cook some muffins. Today is a good day to say, "I love you. I need you. I value you."

I am going to my first Mom Heart Conference of the year today. I could never do any of these conferences without countless friends who are a part of helping, speaking, serving, believing that God wants us to team together to encourage moms. How blessed I am to serve beside them, as we partner together in the great love God has given to each of us through our best and most loyal friend, Jesus. May our lips praise Him today!

And you might just find that one of your best friends, who needs to know your love, might just be in your own home.

Some of my favorite friendship quotes:

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." - Bible: Ecclesiastes

"The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them." - John 15:13

"A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope." anon

""A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure." - Sirach 6:14

"Cherish your friend, keep faith in him" - Sirach 27:17

"A friend loveth at all times." - Proverbs 17:17

"Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend's countenance." -Proverbs 27:17

A Civilized Moment of Peace

French Country Omelette

Yesterday, I was in great need of "me" time. Joy was off to a class, Sarah off writing. But I knew if I was home, the phone would ring, the dog would want in and then out and then in and then out........

And so, at 7:00 a.m., I left our home with quiet time books in tow and grabbed a Vaughan Williams cd and ventured into my little blue crv to escape this present world for just a little bit of much needed quiet! The wafting notes of the all encompassing symphony  filled my car with grace, and snow capped Pike's Peak came into view, and my heart began to melt into a "God is with me, all will be well," mood.

Arriving at a downtown French cafe, I found my own secluded table, ordered my foaming cappuccino and ordered the most wonderful breakfast. A French Country Omelette was my choice: sauteed potatoes with rosemary, apple chunks, walnuts, onions, ham and swiss cheese--worth the extra calories that I eventually had to walk off! Accompanied by a 7 grain, crusty French roll, and I felt like such a princess--or at least an adult!

My Bible, a few minutes of reflection and prayer and I felt like a new person. Soul filling must take place for me to stay my course. Now I am back to the normal grind, but a little more at peace in my heart.

*********************************************************

The Winners of the conference tickets drawing on January 15 are:

Michelle  Berryman from Bakersfield, CA

Kelly Cooper

Thanks so much for all of you who helped us advertise the conferences. I am so blessed by each of you.

And thanks for all who participated in the Twitter Chat last night--my first one. It is an adrenalin-filled interesting experience, but I was so encouraged by many of your comments.

Be sure to register for California to still receive the $89 price, as it goes to $99 after Friday.

Looking so forward to the conference this weekend. Have a great week!

Your Center of Focus in the midst of a Crazy Life!

 

Details are not my strength. Consequently, all of the things I must care for  with my children can overwhelm me--even this month, helping my children figure out taxes, registering for dance classes, sending photos online to a competition,  co-op classes, bills, medical issues, mail, email, clothes, dishes, the conferences at hand and on and on. Yet it seems our lives are covered over with myriad things to worry about.

Though I like to think of myself as a Mary, listening to Jesus, pondering scripture, I know that much of my life so commiserates with Martha. Always I awaken with "things to do" on my mind. But I was looking through one of my older books and was re-convicted by what I had written. (For me it is like looking at an old journal. I relive and relearn what I have previously thought and known!) Here is what  I read:

I think as mothers and fathers, it is so easy to get distracted by the details of our lives. We have so much to do! We must feed our children well and take care of their health. We must oversee their education and their training to make sure they will be able to take care of themselves and live in a civilized society. We train them in righteousness so they may understand how God wants them to live. We try to relate to them in mature ways and help them learn to have healthy relationships.

Yet so often, I think, we get lost in these multitudinous tasks that rule our lives, and we lose sight of the underlying purpose behind all these tasks, which is to prepare our children to go into the world and make disciples for our Lord.

Jesus promised that he would be with us. He also promised that he will come back. It is to him that we will have to give an account of how faithfully we sought to pass on his message and his commission to our children. Giving our children the gift of inspiration -- helping them understand their spiritual purpose, which is to glorify God and to make him known -- is one of the most crucial tasks of Christian parenting. The Ministry of Motherhood p. 66

Years back, a book written by Rick Warren rocked the Christian world. The title alone attracted attention: The Purpose-Driven Life. In the midst of a crazy world where we can race from one activity to the next, this book challenged us to slow down and think about Christ's ultimate purpose for our lives.

As Christian parents, we  have an incredible purpose. We are the stewards of righteousness and the truth of Christ's kingdom mandate in every generation--to preserve it, to pass it on. We are also stewards to make the reality of God known in every aspect of our lives and to pass on the calling of Christ to them--to shape them to serve Him and His kingdom in their generation.

We are responsible to put before them patterns of discipleship, loving attitudes, the example of true forgiveness, cultivate in them a godly heritage ~ all the things Jesus did with His disciples. We also have the meals to prepare, the clothes to wash, and the everyday tasks that seem like they have only short-term effects. But they don't.

Martha versus Mary

Sweet Martha is one of my favorite examples of womanhood in Scripture. Who isn't convicted by her story? She loved her Lord and Savior with all her heart. She was detail oriented (perhaps off the charts!) and spoke her mind. Luke 10:38-42 shows us her real problem was that she  could be distracted by the details of her life. She had a good heart. She wanted to make Jesus feel welcome. She deeply loved him. But, she was a woman with a plan and you'd dare not get in her way!

"Now as they were traveling along, He (Jesus) entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. And she had a sister called Mary, who moreover was listening to the Lord's word, seated at His feet. That's me a lot. I start out well, but.......But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him, and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (emphasis mine)

How did Martha greet Jesus? She welcomed Him. Scripture doesn't say, "And Martha, who was surprised by Jesus' presence at her door ..." When someone comes to our home, we greet them with hugs and a warm smile. We let them know we are glad to see them! Martha was excited and happy to see her close friend and Lord, Jesus. Her house was his favorite or most often visited place.

But ... after greeting Jesus, where did Martha's focus shift ?

Details! She had things to do. Dinner didn't just appear on the table! Who did she complain to when Mary wasn't helping her? Who do you complain to when the details of your life aren't coming together as you'd planned?

Martha shifted her focus from Jesus to tasks. When you feel "pulled" to shift your focus from people to details, from your sweet children who are always looking for your love and affirmation,  how do you respond? Martha gives me great hope that when I'm flailing in the midst of laundry, dishes, finances, and everything else that happens in our home, I can stop and ask the Lord to give me a Mary heart. I can take time to slow down my frantic pace, and focus on Him and what He wants me to do. I'm to share Him with my children.

One way I am learning to slow down and focus is to look at my children, in their eyes, and focus on what their heart is saying--a gentle touch, tossle of hair, hand squeeze--"I know exactly what you mean!" or "I understand, honey." A personal sign that I am engaged and that they are important.

Sometimes, though, it might be taking time to sit down for a few minutes, sharing how God has been faithful to provide for our family or how He encouraged me in the midst of our lives. It might be sitting down and reading a passage of Scripture or telling them the highlights of my morning quiet time. It might be stopping to pray for a loved one or friend. But God's presence in the minutes of my life need to be a part of the minutes of my time with my children, so they can see His reality and hear His voice all the day.

Now, where the rubber meets the road!

Have you had your child convict you of being on the computer too much? or the phone? I have.

Have you intentionally made time to stop what you're doing so you could enjoy a gorgeous sunset with your son who wanted to share his special spot with just you? Did the dishes get washed at that moment? No, but something of eternal value occurred: your son knew your love for him. You got to ooh and aah together over God's majesty. That's worship! Building relationships with your children gives you entrance into their hearts. You have the honor of speaking into their lives, sharing Christ with them.

What distracts you from focusing on your children? Is there anything you can do to change this?

Here's an activity that can help you think through the Martha/Mary tension we feel as moms. Create a Martha and Mary list. Make two columns: one of things to do (details), one of relationships to build (people, especially those in your sweet family). Pray for wisdom in how to use your time so that the important items and relationships in each column get the proper amount of attention.

May the Lord bless you as you balance your priorities with His help! Off to take care of my details--and love my family in the midst.