A New Year, new beginnings--Freedom, Life and Peace

As I ponder a new year, I want there to be more freedom--more grace--more life, for me and for my sweet friends.

I ask you, humbly today, to bear with a ramble of thoughts and words, for so it is.

Being immersed in beauty, pink sunsets, crisp breezes blowing in the trees, walking in the quiet of my mountains is almost a craving, a necessity of my soul. Free-spirited from birth, I love the wild, the vast color of God in creation. It matches my personality and suits my soul. I have to get away from the grasp that culture sometimes has on me,  to be able to breathe in God's presence.

Nearing 60, I am reflecting more on what really matters in life and reflect on what is really true.

Today in church, I spent half of my time making faces at the baby in front of me in the arms of a parent to see if I could keep her happy--her little smiles gave me such pleasure.

A few days ago, I came upon an unsuspecting child of mine who was singing at lung-tops and dancing around the living room--I joined in enthusiastically.

As I  survey the landscape of people I have known, very few really seem to have stilled their soul enough before Him to be amazed, and to live in the freedom and generous love He provides every day--to have that excitement bubbling up because of the fun, life, beauty that comes from knowing Him and living fully alive in His creation.

To dance, sing, laugh uncontrollably, to love deeply, to drink from the pleasure of life He has allowed, even in the midst of the fallen places-this is to know Him and His presence every day.

Yet, surrounded by people who know how to be good but who seem uptight and judgmental, kills my soul; who know many rules they live by and talk about them; who pressure their children to behave by forcing themselves upon them because they are bigger--but these parents seem to lose their children's hearts or neglect to enjoy the antics of their childish personalities. The priority, instead, is to have their children fit into the box of their preconceived expectations--and that just does not work.

Some define themselves by the name of their church, but Jesus will define them by how much they loved.

These, who energetically espouse what their brand of Christianity is; or the boxes they live by; or stand in judgment the people that don't live by their rules,

condemning the lost for being lost, when only God can do so--

I have been there, done that--but legalism kills the heart and spirit of life. Rules are broken because we can never be perfect--and neither can anyone that we love, be perfect.

So living by works, and then the circle of disappointment that ensues, only creates more of a sense of failure and hopelessness.

But I long to be with those who live in mystery and have learned a little about it over the years. The mystery of His infinite wisdom, glory, power, and willingness to do miracles through those who are looking and listening for Him. This is what I love, long for and wanted to pass to my own children-

not laws about Him, but the Love, wisdom and beauty that moves Him.

I do not look at limited me--but I live, as His toddler, growing little by little, and knowing He will hold me, protect me, love me, because it is His nature and he is  a good Father who will see to the well-being of his immature toddler.

Religion does not satisfy

But, really, no wonder Christianity has not had an impact in our generation--we are offering a religion but not a person; things to do, but not one who transforms and heals hearts.

What a waste of time. God is not impressed by how well we know the rules or by how hard we try to keep the law. He came so that we did not have to strive so hard, because He knew we would never succeed in life without His power and redemption.

But, when I am in the presence of one who has been with Him, whose life has been changed by His unconditional, gentle, generous love, then my soul is fueled to be in that company. 

When one has walked in the presence of the Servant King and been loved and served by Him, one is different.

When I am in the presence of one who is filled with His life, it causes a burning and excitement in my own soul.

What troubles my heart greatly.......

However, I am deeply troubled by the people I am surrounded by who seem to live in bondage--unnecessary bondage of inadequacy, and always feeling the weight of their own shortcomings and sin upon their own back.

Bondage of fear of what might happen in life, or to children, or to finances.

Bondage to flesh--trying to put more effort into doing it right, striving to achieve a holy life, trying to be a perfect mom or wife or friend and failing again and again.

Bondage of the expectations of others--performing by other's standards and boxes and opinions or the bitterness of others who have wounded them.

Such a waste of energy and life for precious people who do not have to live that way.

And living in the bondage of performance and works makes living through marriage, friendship, mothering children--from young, teens to adulthood, impossibly difficult, because there is no formula that covers all the possibilities, temptations and experiences, so formulas and rules will always disappoint and confuse. 

It is only faith in the One who knows, that gives freedom to live apart from bondage.

Jesus just does not want us to live in defeat.

At 60, I I know more than ever before, I still can't be perfect--but I am more grateful for His provision and love and seek to live in His grace and deep gratitude for what He gives.

All of these things flurry around and create voices in our heads and weigh down souls and leave darkness, unless we choose to live in the light.

But where He is, there is unimaginable splendor and light. He came because the people living in darkness needed a great light.

He is the light and sparkle of the world.

I call the Christians who live by so many rules and isms and pressure, the ones in the Christian Bubble.

My children have laughed at me this week because they noticed so often I say, "I just hate the bubble." and they know what I mean.

So, though I could write volumes and thousands of words some day and be more organized with these thoughts, but I am off to celebrate life with my sweet ones present in my home.

But this year, this new year,  I wish you, and pray for you peace--rest--grace--freedom.

I am going to spend some time today putting my finger on those things that steal my joy, that take from my love, faith and freedom and then make a new plan to be in the mystery and glory of His presence and joy more often every day, so that when people are in my presence, they may draw from Him who is there, alive and fresh and powerful and mysterious.

"It was for freedom that Christ has set us free, therefore keep standing firm that you may not be subject to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

May this new year, mark a beginning of a new time, when you and I invest in Him, and in the reality of His kingdom. And daily may we celebrate His magnificent love, that others may be blessed in the shadow of our lives that crosses their paths

And stand firm in the freedom that we were meant to experience.

Precious memories, unforgettable moments of Christmas 2012

This week, I gave my wonderful co-executive ceo of Whole Heart a cashmere scarf to go with his cool cap.

Lots of sibling fun and hugs going on--it is great to be at this point. Just when you thought your children would never stop fussing, they are all best friends.

Even a memory of sitting on the small bathroom floor, with Joel, Sarah and Joy talking until midnight. Started with brushing teeth.

Participated in a special Christmas choir, where Joel (director in front), wrote an original 4 part piece of music for Downtown New Life and for the pastor, Glen Pakiam called Magnum Mysterium. (About the mystery of the virgin birth and coming of Jesus.) I must admit, it was so sweet to be led by the conductor who used to be my little boy! :)

I made homemade herb bread and  potato soup with fruits, nuts and cheeses for our Christmas Eve totally candlelit dinner and giggled over many times gone by.

Hosted friends in our home to celebrate the season together, ending in a carol sing and concert by Clay on guitar, Joel on piano, and two other family friends on violin and cello. (Terri Moon and son Jeremiah) It was sweet to have lots of kids and sweet voices old and young.

I have cooked and eaten and washed dishes--about a thousand times, and then someone comes into the kitchen and says, "I'm hungry. What is there to eat?"--again!

These guys look serious about their food!

But, the memories are so sweet. I have not gone to bed before 11:30 or 12:30 any night, gotten up early most mornings to send Joel off with scrambled eggs and toast, to his Apple Store job in Denver--45 minutes away.

Saw Les Mis together and discussed it on the way home amidst a snow storm and a car sliding out on the freeway. No storms keep us from talking and talking and talking about our opinions.

Talked lots and lots with Nathan--so fun;  watching a dramatic series together and favorite old Christmas shows.

Got everyone warm new jammies (Joy--owls of course, Sarah and me gowns and the boys all warm flannels--even  we have spent hours and hours on the couches in front of fireplaces in our new jammies just being glad to relax.

Feasted and listened to constant music in the community called the Clarksons and taking time to look into the eyes of each child and thanking God for each day.

Having tea by candlelight in Sarah's room with doors closed.

Talking late into the night, hearing Joy's stories and secret dreams about college, friends, issues and life.

I pray God's blessings and protection on all of my sweet ones as they foray back into the world, but for this week, we have savored the moments.

Always, the mama--always the need to provide, pray and inspire and listen.

Thankful for my role amidst this precious life.

Changing the world, one family, one mom at a time! Come join us!

This is the time of year I begin to get excited. For eighteen years, we have hosted mom's conferences to refresh and inspire moms with the importance of their role as a mom in the lives of the next generation. Community and friendship has become a consequence of moms from literally all over the world to celebrate their mutual lives.

What a miracle to see God work over the years. From the beginning, we would gather women--in our home, then in small groups, and in churches, all over the world. Women holding up ideals together. Women reaching out to friends. Women standing strong together--praying, loving, weeping, giggling, celebrating this divine call of motherhood and together, with the strength of like minds, determining to build their own children into a godly generation.

Women mounting up over their past scars and insecurities, guilt, failures and helping each other build a new story.

Women teaching each other the truth, the reality of God, the love and grace of Christ.

The theme of this year's conference will be the same as my new book, Desperate: Hope for the mom who needs to breathe! We want every mom to leave with hope, a full heart and help for her role as a mom.

Lots of great speakers, music, a luncheon, an enormous book table, chocolate and lots of time to cultivate friendships with like-minded moms!

This has pretty much defined our whole lives--our family history, together, for many years, hosting gatherings all over the world, to write, speak and minister to these great moms, thousands and thousands, who have changed the world, one family at a time.

So it is no wonder I am excited. Hundreds of us will gather again in Colorado, California, Texas and North Carolina. My children will travel to be there, and once again, we will see the miracle of His life, transforming us all in His presence.

No wonder I am excited--can't wait to see you all and to be a part, again, of a miracle.

But be sure to register soon and bring your friends to make a great memory.

Some of the conferences are getting close to full.

And will you please help us get the word out about the conferences on facebook, twitter, and to your own networks of moms? We love encouraging as many moms as possible!

I thought you might enjoy a story from a very dear friend of mine who has attended and love the mom's conferences. Whether you can be with us or not, do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together, for where two or more are, there He is in our midst.

TO REGISTER, GO HERE!

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE. WE SHALL HAVE A GRAND TIME!

Here is my friend's invitation:

Whether you are a working mom, single mom, military mom, special needs mom, weekend mom, drowning mom, homeschool mom, grand-mom...our common ground is children (from the crib to facial hair). Each of you are in the trenches of parenting. A soldier would never be sent to battle without training, weapons and a battle plan...neither should you.

For the past 5 years, I have attended Sally Clarkson's Mom Heart Conference held in Dallas.  Sally is the author of The Mission of Motherhood, which many of you have gone through this year in your B.O.M. Squads.  This conference restored my heart to my oldest daughter and her heart to mine.  I can still quote nuggets of wisdom that I heard at my first conference.  

I've also attended a writers and speakers conference hosted in Sally's home.  Her heart for moms is truly God-given.  Would you consider coming with me to a conference this year?  The conference is a guilt-free event. You are God's best chance for raising a generation to love God.  

You are God's best bet at restoration in your family. You are God's perfect choice to raise the children entrusted to you.  Come to conference with me and discover simple, inspiring ways to reach our children. If you come looking for God and His direction, you will not leave Dallas wondering where He was or what He wants you to do.

Equip a mom...change the world.

In the trenches but NOT alone,

Stacy Buck

Surviving the Storms of Home Life

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."Galatians 6:9

Sitting in the dark shadows of my small cozy library as the sun went behind the mountain, found me and one of my older children talking quietly of struggles, challenges, battles of life, and long term endurance. The deep friendship, shaped over years of shared life, had knit our souls quite together.

I wasn't expecting this moment to be a memorable one. Just a normal moment in the dusk of day, that shaped a soul-satisfying memory.

"Mama," my grown child tenderly whispered, "One of the greatest things you have ever accomplished is to keep our family together through love, faith, laying down your own life, and enduring with as much grace as Jesus could give you, so that our lives could be whole, healthy and strong. I know that only God will know the ways you have chosen to give and serve and forgive,  when you had to make the choices to do so. But all of us kids have benefitted because you were willing to weather the storms of life for us and hold us together."

Much of our lives as a family has been a battle through raging storms.

But, there are some amazing graces on this side of motherhood, when my four children have reached adulthood---I don't have to go back through any of the storms we barely weathered and much of my labor is behind me. And from all of it, I see four healthy, strong, vibrant young adults who are also my beloved friends.

Life is a journey from our present lives,  to the future home Jesus is preparing for us to live in, with Him, for all eternity. Our own lives are filled with storms and gales and the blowing winds of a fallen world. Many times, unexpected gales of life threaten to undo us and overcome us. I hardly know of a family who isn't suffering through some sort of illness, loss of job, relationship heartbreak, conflict and difficulties.

An illusion that some people have about our family is that it has ever been easy for us to hold fast to ideals. Through 17 moves (5 international); clinical asthma with three of my children; adhd and ocd to extremes in two children; illnesses, financial issues, church splits, rejection from family members for ideals--so many storms that I was never trained for or ready to live through. Then there were the fusses, messes, long hours and no support systems.And then the weird children and unusual parents--we are all a study in contrasts and misfits.

All family travel into the eyes of life-storms. It is not an evidence of a bad family, it is the reality of a fallen world, with rebellion and fallenness evident with every dark cloud.

And yet, wanting to love God and serve Him through it all, was the glue that held me, us, our own family, together when life threatened to tear all of us apart.

It is not the grand, noble accomplishments that are the most profoundly valuable to God. It is the unnoticed, the invisible practicing of being faithful, courageous when no one else is looking, that become the jewels of our faith in the eyes of God.

Accepting a loud, boisterous child and seeking to be patient and gentle over and over again, when feelings threatened to erupt into frustration and anger.

Working beyond exhaustion and getting up in the middle of the night, again, for a sick child, when there was no one to help or anyone to be a friend, through all of the moves and loneliness.

Enduring by choice the heavy burdens of the tests of marriage.

Cleaning up messes one more time. Making one more homemade meal and drawing the family circle together to celebrate life, reflecting the real vibrant life of God, when a nap or getting far away seemed more desirable. Having one more devotional in the midst of wiggly, distracted children and believing that somehow eternity was entering their hearts.

These, and more, are the noble and valiant, priceless works of motherhood. The unseen heroism that captains a ship successfully through the dark storms of life--bringing hope, and security to the lives of those making the journey--courage and strength in the face of storms is the choice that a mom makes which deeply touches the soul and heart of the child being guided and sheltered through the storms.

I can see this now in the lives of my children. When I would worry that the instability of our family life would ruin them, or my flaws would harm them, the Holy Spirit was making them strong, showing them how to exercise muscles of faith in dark situations.

The words and heart of my child was salve to my soul--it all mattered, each day, each moment of faith, each decision to keep loving and giving against all force of selfishness. Somehow, God took the sacrifice of my fish and loaves and made it enough.

And the words of an adult child, returned home, became the voice of God, encouraging--

For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. Hebrews 6:10

And so, somehow, many failures forgotten and discouraging moments lived through, the Life of God and the strength He gave in the face of strong winds of temptation and fear with faith lived out, became in my child, a strong work of heart that gave foundations of faith.

For it was the storms of life that prepared my children to be strong for their lives and gave them a pattern of learning how to ford the rough waters that their own lives would hold.

Take courage today, sweet, tired, mama. Your labor is not in vain and in contrast is the very work of the soul that will be your best labor for eternity.

Reaching one more generation of parents--with hope and inspiration!

Dreams do come true!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas with your families. Now as we get close to a new year, Clay and I are dreaming,  planning, praying and just waiting to see what God has up his sleeve.

My sweet husband Clay, and I, dreamed about starting a ministry to inspire and help families raise godly children.

Eighteen years later, we are amazed to see what God has done.

So many of you have attended our conferences, worked, prayed  with us,read our books, listened to our tapes,supported us financially and helped us build a ministry to countless thousands all over the world.

We feel like we are a part of a movement of families who are literally transforming the face of Christianity and that will indeed bring God's kingdom messages to bear for generations to come.

Many of you are new to my blog, so our ministry may be new to you.

Would you please allow us this one day to tell you about our ministry? Thanks so much for reading our ministry letter!

Once a year, we send out a ministry letter to friends like you to let you know just what we are Whole Heart Ministry are up to.

Our ministry and publishing would never have gotten this far without so many people joining in to help us reach families and moms.

Thanks so much for all of you who have been a part of dream.

If God puts us on your heart, please pray for us and help us reach another generation of parents!

Dear Friends and Whole Heart Partners,

This ministry is now one generation old! We started 18 years ago in 1994, one generation demographically. On January 1, 2013 we embark on our second generation of ministry to parents. We are asking God for one more generation of ministry, and for new Whole Heart Partners to join us for that journey down the backstretch. There is so much more we can do in 18 years, and 2030 is such a nice round year. However, we need your help starting right now! This year. 2013.

Since you’re reading this in the midst of your Christmas mail and seasonal activities, we’ll keep this brief—just a five-minute year-end snapshot of what’s going on at Whole Heart that has us so excited about 2013. In our first 18 years of ministry, we’ve never seen the kinds of opportunities we are seeing right now. Here’s what’s happening.

MOM HEART MINISTRY: OUR HEARTS BEAT FOR MOMS!

Mom Heart is set to explode in 2013. This past year, we launched the new Mom Heart Online (MomHeart.org) with 25 inspirational mom bloggers as authors. That site is getting a total makeover that will include training for group leaders, a social network for moms, a new online store, and more. Sally’s I Take Joy blog for Christian women (ITakeJoy.com) has been growing exponentially—her personal blog has logged over 2.5 million hits. Those numbers are surprising, but God is giving the growth, and it is still growing. On January 8, Thomas Nelson (the world’s largest Christian book publisher) will release Desperate~Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe, Sally and mom blogger Sarah Mae’s new book/ We expect the book to do very well and to drive many more moms to our ministry websites and blogs, so that we can see more moms helped and encouraged.

We have four Mom Heart Conference events coming up in January and February in Colorado, California, Texas, and North Carolina. Sally will encourage moms in a series called “I Take Hope—Moving from Desperate to Destiny.” Because of online marketing and blog chatter about the book release, we’re hoping for a good turnout this year. There is no other conference quite like these inspirational weekend getaways for Christian moms. In May, Sally will be a Keynote speaker for the Teach Them Diligently Conventions in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and our old hometown Nashville, Tennessee.

We are already planning for Mom Heart Leader Intensive Training weekends (“Intensives”) next summer to train moms for ministry, and we hope to begin work on a one-day Mom Heart Mominar concept for churches that a trained Mom Heart leader could present. Finally, we hope to offer a new WholeHearted Learning Workshop weekend in the fall, and are discussing the possibility of a Bring Them Up Family Conference with another mom blogger family.

WHOLE HEART MINISTRIES: WE ARE PRESSING ON WITH BOOKS!

Whole Heart Press is getting its beat back. We are building on our reputation as a trusted creator and publisher of Christian home and parenting books and resources. We released Sally’s book The Mom Walk in June, and Clay’s book Heartfelt Discipline will release in January.

We hope to release several more books in 2013 as we are able to obtain funds for printing. We are also working on ebooks and mobile apps for Mom Heart and Whole Heart. Our legacy books with WaterBrook Press and Apologia Press are all doing well and continue to expand into new audiences.

Our ministry website Whole Heart Online (WholeHeart.org) will undergo a total makeover after the first of the year to become a daily Christian home and parenting blog offering inspirational, biblical, and practical help to parents. The Whole Heart Online Store will also get a makeover to make it easier for parents to shop, and easier for us to reach out to parents internationally.

WHOLE HEART PARTNERS: HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP…

Let me cut to the chase: We are growing as a ministry, but our ministry-generated revenues are not growing fast enough to keep up. We appreciate donations to stay at financial parity as a ministry. We have added more staff (two virtual part-time online editors, and an in-house part-time web-tech assistant), we will be printing more books (new books and reprints, about $5,000 each), and all of our operational costs are increasing (group medical insurance, rent, online services).

We are trusting the Lord, who has been so amazingly faithful, as well as to help fund new ministry initiatives and products, or that dedicated donations might help us reduce it. If you are able to help Whole Heart as we head into 2013, we deeply appreciate your generosity and support. A donor card and response envelope are enclosed for your convenience.

WHOLE HEART PARTNERS: HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP

We are so thankful to God for your partnership in ministry with us. Thank you for sharing our heart for Christian parents and godly homes.

Pray for Clay and me and our family as we seek to be faithful to this ministry.

Attend one of our conferences!

Buy our books and give them to your friends to help encourage them in their role as parents.

Support Whole Heart Ministries financially.

Tell your friends about our ministry so that they can be a part of what we are pursuing as we build faith in the family.

We pray you and your family have a wonderful Advent and Christmas celebration filled with grace, peace, hope, and joy in our Lord!

Whole Heart Ministries Keeping Faith in the Family WH Press — Christian books and resources WH Events — Conferences and seminars WH Online — Online and digital ministries Mom Heart — Christian motherhood ministries P.O. Box 3445 | Monument, CO 80132 719.488.4466 | 888.488.4466 | 888.FAX-2WHM www.wholeheart.org | www.momheart.org whm@wholeheart.org | admin@wholeheart.org

We appreciate your love, encouraging comments, support, prayers and letters so much. We could not keep this ministry going without so many wonderful friends like you. 

May God richly bless you and your precious families!

Clay and Sally Clarkson

O Come, Let Us Adore Him!

 

“Oh, come let us adore Him.”

One evening this week, I was enjoying the sweet fellowship of friends at a Christmas gathering. I was captivated by a tiny, three week old baby girl, wrapped in red velvet and sleeping soundly in her mother’s arms.

Musing on her delicate little hands, and the tiny lips that opened slightly with each deep, sleepy breath, I was struck by her vulnerability. She was totally dependent on her mother for her very life. Cries of hunger would be satisfied by this mother’s milk. Unaware of her need for protection, clothing, and the necessities of life, this little baby’s well being would depend on the benevolence of loving parents. Her very intelligence, moral fiber and vision for life would be shaped by the love bestowed, the integrity lived out and the words treasured and spoken in the moments and experience of life. Everything she would become was at the hands of two young adults.

These thoughts led me to the birth of Jesus. The one who commanded the myriads of stars, galaxies, earthquakes and storms and who could number the hairs of each person born, subjected himself to a fallen world, by placing himself in the hands of frail, fallible human beings. That God would condescend to become a baby, dependent, vulnerable and powerless brought amazement to my heart. Total humility expressed in this miraculous birth in which the God of the universe was willing to bow his being into the most delicate of forms in order to eventually redeem this world back to himself—to become the conqueror of all evil and powers of destruction the world would hold.

I have pondered this for several days. What humility he pictured for us, coming as a normal baby to live amongst the earthy animals, in the presence of the stars and world he had made and entering into the youthful passion of newly-weds, ready to parent the one who would become the redeemer of mankind.  Mixing deity and humanity in the midst and subjecting him to the form of a family, spoke to me of the holy design. Even the Son of God would be cared for and prepared to become the savior in the context of family life.

How exalted a position we have, that like Mary and Joseph, we receive into our homes, those dependant children whose souls and lives will be lived with eternal consequences. Home is a place where holy destiny can be embraced. The birthplace was humble, but the consequences of his family life were noble and the outcome redeeming. I realized that the power of Christ was not in material possessions, fame or prowess, but within the integrity of his very being—lived out in a very normal neighborhood but in the supernatural power that is expressed through the Holy Spirit living in integrity amongst the community of men.

I pray that His humility will give us confidence to live humbly. That the integrity of His heart will shape our words and actions and that our family will be that place of redemption from which others may always find His peace, power and love.

Clay and I wish all of you and your precious families the best of all that our savior brings to us through the wonderful celebration of his miraculous birth.

May all of you experience His peace that passes understanding, His love from which we can never be separated and His hope that fuels each of our days with strength until we see Him face to face. Merry, and blessed Christmas to you and yours!

Clay, Sally, Sarah, Joel, Nathan and Joy Clarkson

Choosing a Mary Day during a Martha Season

My sweet Sarah, dearest of friends, right in front of my eyes.

I have not wrapped all of the packages.

As a matter of fact, I have not bought presents for all of my children that I meant to buy--almost nothing for Joy, because it just hasn't worked out.

The streets are frenzied and crowded and there is a desire inside, "I want to be sure the kids feel loved. I haven't gotten everything done that I meant to do."

My dear boys and friends who are not often together or home--I want to sit and listen to all of their stories and hold  the moments.

But, I am choosing today to stop the frenzy.

I want to sit for a while and love my Jesus. To remember how grateful I am to know Him and to understand His presence, God with us, God with me, Immanuel, every day and especially today.

I will look in to the eyes of Clay and see what I might do to lighten his load.

Sweet Joy, home from college, I want to squeeze her and cherish each moment.

My four children, all filled with heart needs,--I hope I will leave you today with a sense that I love you and care for all the pressures and stresses and insecurities and issues that are on your heart and that you will have the present of my presence.

In short, I am dedicating this day to what I think will matter, above the things that are crying and vying for my attention.

Please let me be faithful to all that matters and not a slave to the things that will create more stress.

I give this day to you, Jesus.

Raspberry Soup, a Special Christmas Treat!

Once on a hot summer's day, I was searching the streets of Budapest, Hungry, for an apartment where a Christian contact was awaiting our arrival. We called the telephone number that we had been given, but no one answered. Our standing instructions, as young missionaries working in a Communist country behind the iron curtain, were to find a local cafe and wait one hour until calling again. (Sometimes if the secret police were near by, and a family was expecting us, the hosts would not answer the phone in order to warn us to stay away.)

And so, my friend and I found a tiny, smoky cafe and entered to see if we could find something delicious to eat while we were waiting. We made our way to a tiny, round table in the corner with a lovely woven traditional flowered table cloth, fresh carnations in a red clay vase and soft music wafting in the background. Seems we had found a jewel of a place.

Our waitress immediately knew we were Americans and talked to us in broken English. We asked her if they had a speciality. Her reply was, "Have you had our cold raspberry soup?"

I had never heard of any kind of berry soup, but we couldn't speak a word of Hungarian and as berries were in season, we took  a chance.

Heaven couldn't have produced better fare for us that day! Light, sweet with a touch of sour, whip cream and berries--all cold and smooth.

For 20 years, I have  a Christmas tea/luncheon for friends of mine and friends of my girls. We almost always serve raspberry soup as a first course. It has become Sarah's specialty. Today I had my friends over for our traditional luncheon because both girls, Sarah and Joy, were back in town.

Every Christmas when I have friends over for lunch, we always have cold raspberry soup as the starter--red for Christmas and special for a unique tradition--a favorite taste of our family and a celebration whenever we eat it.  Pics from yesterday!

(YOU CAN READ ABOUT IT HERE, WHERE ONE OF JOY'S FRIENDS WROTE ABOUT OUR TEA!)

 BFF's for many years!

Home from college--Joy and Christie!

Sarah-Raspberry soup expert!

So here is my recipe:

Chilled Raspberry Soup

Ingredients

• 2 bags frozen raspberries-- around 18-20 ounces. I thaw them the day before I make the soup in my fridge.
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup white zinfandel or sweeter wine (if desired--not necessary) Do not use a very sour cooking wine.
• 1 cup cranberry apple juice or cranberry -raspberry juice
• 1/2 -1 cup of sugar (to taste)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 t. ground cloves
• 1 -2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 (8 ounce) container  raspberry yogurt (I use the Greek yoghurt)
• whipped cream or sour cream--depending on preference

Directions

1. In a blender, puree raspberries, water and wine if desired. (Taste to see if it is the right consistency for you--some like it thick, some like it thinner--juice or water will thin it.) Transfer to a large saucepan; add the cran-raspberry juice, sugar, cinnamon and cloves. (I have had sweet raspberries and some that were sour. If they are sour, they will need a little bit more sugar. Be sure it blends in.)
2. Bring just to a boil over medium heat.
3. Remove from the heat; strain if you want it totally smooth,  and allow to cool. (I grind my raspberries so much in the blender that you cannot notice the seeds, but sometimes cooks strain the seeds out to make it totally smooth.) Whisk in lemon juice and yogurt. Refrigerate long enough to cool. To serve, pour into small bowls and top with a dollop of whip or sour cream.

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Every year I go to a craft store and buy up the little packets of inexpensive ornaments like these reindeer) and give them as little favors to my friends. Here was our setting this year. This is a simple treat to enjoy--we put a big dollop of whip cream on top of our soup--yuuummmmmm!! Enjoy.

A few notes on this soup ...

**It's best served cold, so allow at least two hours in the fridge to cool off--or over night as it is so lovely when chilled.

**I'm not quire sure how many servings, as it depends upon how much goes into each bowl! You can see that sometimes I serve it in these little fruit cups so when I do it this way, it goes a long way. (I got 12 of these cut glass sherbet bowls at Good Will--our second hand store!) Just figure out about how many ounces everything adds up to and divide it by the size of bowl you want to serve it in. (In other words, if you do one batch and it is 32 oz of raspberries, 3-4 cups liquid (another 32 ounces) then you have ten 6-ounce servings (which would be large) or more if you do smaller bowls.

Enjoy and use as a tradition--it is a surprise whenever I serve it to people who have never heard of it and it is delicious and nutritious!

A Movement of Motherhood to change Future Generations!

My Dear Friends, 

As a young woman, my heart was ignited with the love of Jesus. I told Him that I was His girl and wanted to serve Him and His kingdom purposes. Through years of walking with Him, He told me "Make disciples" of my own children, and then to teach other mothers how to build godly leaders in their own home, by capturing their own children's hearts for Him---this has been a call on my life from God.

Over many years, I have learned that a mom alone in her own home with sinful children, messes, weariness and no support can so easily become discouraged in her ideals. So for many years, my sweet husband and I have written books, hosted conferences and developed messages on blogs to inspire, encourage and teach moms how significant their role is to build godly generations for the future.

How amazing it was to see God bring Sarah Mae and me together in a real life story of two friends committed to each other in a mentoring relationship in this whole calling of motherhood. And from our friendship came our book, Desperate: Hope for the Mom who needs to breathe!

Our hope is that this will not just be a book, but that our story and this book will spur interest--in public arenas, churches and media all over the world to elevate the understanding of just how significant God created motherhood to be, and how important it is for all moms to find support, friendship, encouragement and community in this great task.

We hope that all of you will join us as we launch this book by coming together in groups, attending conferences, meeting with friends, finding mentors, so that future generations can be formed through the Biblical ideals we seek and hold fast to together.

Our hope is that moms can move from Desperate to Hopeful, as they find support and encouragement from the Lord and from like-minded moms in groups all over the world. 

Our publishers and a couple of hundred bloggers and friends have committed to helping us spread the word during our launch of this book.

We would be so honored if you would become a part of our team. I would love for you to hear Sarah Mae's heart in how this book came about. And I have included ways that we are going to launch our book and offer many wonderful giveaways for all of you who join in this celebration of motherhood. Please consider gathering a group of your friends to study this book together!

Help in Leading a Desperate Study PLUS Special Gifts for Those That Lead a Desperate Book Study!

Question from a reader:

“I would love to start a group in my community, but who do I invite (young moms AND older women)? How many chapters are there (how many sessions do I schedule?)? I want to know more and want to get started planning.”

Great questions! Let me answer them for you…

There are 14 chapters plus an introduction (from me) and a conclusion (from Sally). There are also 20 pages of Q & A (readers asked, Sally answered). You can see what the chapters are by clicking here.

What we would love to see is YOU leading a small group of women, younger and older; a coming together to create something beautiful: friendship, mentorship, community, and support. The goal of this book is to create a movement, a no-more-desperate-momsmovement. You can be a part of the movement by gathering women in your church and/or community to read the book with.

You could meet once a week and cover a chapter a week (16 weeks), or you could meet once a week and cover two chapters a week (8 weeks). Sally and I will be leading an online study at The Better Mom beginning January 29th, and that will be an 8 week study (Tuesdays and Thursdays). (I will also be connecting Itakejoy to this study and participating in this online group each week.)

Every one who purchases the book between Tuesday, January 8th and Saturday, January 12th will receive a free PDF Desperate small group guide that Sally is currently finishing. I’ll have more information on the PDF soon.

For those Leading a Desperate Book Study

We have made it easy for you to lead a study using Desperate. In the book you will find:

• Study questions
• “Your Turn” challenges
• Links/QR codes at the end of each chapter to videos of Sally and I talking about the chapter (each around 2-4 minutes long)

Special Gifts for Those Who Lead a Study

We have some amazing gifts for those who purchase books during launch week! Check them out:

If you purchase one book during launch week you will receive…

• Free PDF on leading a Desperate small group.
• Free Journal from DaySpring (The journal gift is good for Tuesday the 8th only).

If you purchase five books during launch week you will receive…

• Free PDF on how to gather women for a small group.
• Free Journal from DaySpring (Tuesday only).
• Free custom print from Red Letter Words.
• Free “Mother’s Love” art print.

If you purchase eight books during launch week you will receive…

• Free PDF on how to gather women for a small group.
• Free journal from DaySpring (Tuesday only).
• Free custom print from Red Letter Words.
• Free “Mother’s Love” art print.
• Free, exclusive, custom Vintage Pearl necklace that says, “breathe”.
• Free  Desperate DVD companion study. Available in March.

To receive the gifts, you must purchase the books during launch week (January 8th-January 12th). More details will be given as the date nears.

So, what are you waiting for?! Gather your groups now and get ready to be a part of the no-more-desperate-moms movement!!!!!!!

(You may still receive the gifts even if you do not lead a study.  )

Please join us in praying with us that God would direct us as we seek to follow Him in bringing mama's hearts back to their homes and children, and in knowing that raising children to know and love Him is a great work for eternity.

Leave us a comment if you want to be a part of helping us get the word out!

Thanks so much for all of your wonderful comments, encouragement and emails the last weeks. I so appreciate all of you!

Sarah Mae and Sally

What Mother can find favor with God?

Alfredo Rodan

"Greetings, favored one, the Lord is with you." Luke 1:28

Oh, how I wish these words expressed how God felt about me--would God see me as the kind of woman He would choose now to mother the most high God? By what means did she find favor, in the hidden moments of her life? These thoughts swirled around in my mind.

Mary lived in a tiny, obscure village amidst a humdrum life. Wheat was ground, bread was pounded out on wooden tables, crumbs were swept from the floor, children lovingly tended, mother and father presiding over the home, the Shema was listened to every day over shared family meals, the Sabbath was kept. Mary lived in invisibility in the moments of an ordinary, obscure life, as far as anyone in her own life knew. And yet, in the living of her life, quietly, faithfully, God noticed her, God saw her and she found favor and pleased His heart.

God always sees even when no one else is noticing.

Imagine being greeted by an angel, in the midst of a normal day, when no one else knew, "Hail favored one."

And then, "Mary, do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God."

Really? She did not have a college degree or a ministry position or title and had never published a book or even spoken in the synagogue--and yet, in the midst of her quiet life, she of all women, had found favor with God. I have been pondering this.

But there are clues.Being the mother of Jesus would require a tenacious, steady, engaged faith. As his mother, her  life would be  in danger, Jesus would be  pursued by a crazy king, and at every point, people would cast doubt on her irregular, fantastical story.

 Satan would have wanted to prevent Jesus becoming savior and Mary would be his protector--a shelter from danger, a nurturer of his soul, a provider of truth, a teacher and trainer, a strength in storms--all of this she would be asked to be for God, the baby, entrusted into her hands, as his mother, a divinely appointed role.

She would have to move, put up with peer pressure of her own village, believe in the miraculous, obscure amongst the humble, live amidst despised Egyptians. Her life would be filled with stress, pressure, rejection, fear, loneliness and questions.

And yet, God had called her favored, He had seen her heart, he had noticed her response throughout her life, He had tested her willingness to obey, and she had been found faithful, and so she was favored.

Henry Ossawa Tanner

Her response, ready on her lips, practiced in her heart.

"“Behold, the^]bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

God looked for one who would serve Him, willingly, readily, at the moment of His impossible request, one who would respond in utter submission.

I am your bondslave--a commitment he had seen in her prayers, through out her life as she engaged her heart in scripture, He had seen her practice of worship by choosing, through all the years of her training, her response of believing and her heart consecration to serve Him, to obey throughout the seemingly unnoticed moments of her life.

One who considers themselves a servant, believes and lives to accomplish the will of her master. Is that my heart--to obey, willingly, whatever He would ask?

Is that my response to this life He has given to me--be it done according to your will for I am your bond-servant? Even if it means sacrifice of the plans I hold dear? Even if it means being misunderstood? Rejected? Chased? Inconvenienced? Even if it requires me to have courage against fears that will assail my life?

And yet, we are left  another clue. Elizabeth, her older cousin, who had also lived above reproach and obeyed God, upon seeing Mary, responded,

"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”

Mary believed God.

She had a ready heart to believe Him, trust Him with all that it would require of her, to await the miraculous, to live through long years of waiting and quiet and mundanity, as she awaited to see this little baby become the expected Messiah, the fulfillment of His role as a savior.

She believed there would be a fulfillment.

 She had practiced believing in Him her whole life and this, I think, was in part, what would qualify her to be the mother of the son of God, she was ready, willing to immediately respond to Him in belief--even to the impossible--even in the obscure place of dust, dishes, and duty.

And so God shined His light on my soul this early morning as I pondered Mary in His presence--am I ready to believe, to obey wherever He takes me, to await the fulfillment of His word and to choose to believe in His future fulfillment of faithfulness in my own life and in my own prayers--even if the ultimate fulfillment will take years and years, as it took Mary?

So, today, as I live amongst feasting, gift-wrapping, cleaning, sharing hearts and thoughts, singing beloved hymns at church, celebrating in the sparkle of our Christmas home, I hope that He will find me, in the integrity of my heart,  obeying, responding, bowing my knee to His will, a bondservant whose heart is ready to follow, obey, accept limitations of a world at battle for righteousness, and yet ready, in His strength, to believe.

May He prepare your heart today to worship in the quietness of your life, right where you are. May He bless you with His peace and grace.

I pray you have a most blessed and favored Christmas, and that God gently leads you, and me,  to embrace for our lives, the integrity that characterizes of the story of Mary, His choice to be the mother of his own son.

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

Sweet Peeps, My Techy friends who loaded the book for me assure me that the links are all right and if you look at the post today in your email and click the download link at the bottom, (click on Taking Joy to Heart) you should get the book! The devil is certainly in the details?! Hope your day is blessed!

So sorry for the trouble--the links should all be working now. I appreciate your patience.