Son Joel's Wonderful New Christmas Album!

 

Today I got to spend my son Joel's 27th birthday with him here in England. He showed me his amazing new Christmas album, which is a true delight. I asked him if he would give away two of his albums to my friends at itakejoy, as a Christmas gift to the winning reader to open the holiday season. So many have been waiting for this album, and I'm so thrilled he was able to release it in time for Christmas, so that you can enjoy it with your family. I asked Joel to share a bit more about this album and his current world of music.

What advice would you have for Moms who want to encourage their kids’ musical interests?

From my perspective and experience, the best thing is that kids learn to love music first, before getting deeply involved in a formal study of it. I think exposure to the great composers—Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Vivaldi, and others like them—is very important. The more children develop a taste for that music, the more they will learn to love it, and the more they will be able to really comprehend and enjoy what they are learning when they begin formal study. Keep it as background music throughout the day in the house; look for classical concerts where you can take your kids—a lot of orchestras do kids' days. Our tastes and habits shape us into the people we become, and immersing children in the midst of such music enriches their souls.

Why did you decide to write this album?

While I enjoy the better-known Christmas classics with which we’re all familiar, I have come to have a deep appreciation for ancient Christmas Carols, tunes which were once part and parcel with the advent season but which are often less familiar to our modern ears. Some of the melodies from this album are nearly a thousand years old, and are from all over ancient Europe. There is a beauty and simplicity to these tunes, and I wanted to give them a new life and audience.

Tell us about your recent musical pursuits.

It’s been a busy year musically for me. I’ve been working in Los Angeles in the film world, orchestrating music, conducting, and writing scores for films. I’m especially excited to start work on a film my brother Nathan wrote and is producing, entitled, “Confessions of a Prodigal Son”. The movie is a modern take on the prodigal son story. We're so excited to share the redemptive tale with so many people who can relate to this story.

How can we buy your album?

You can buy it wherever music is sold online, or you can buy it directly from CD Baby:

"Midwinter Carols" on CD Baby

It has been a very exciting journey arranging these beautiful carols, and I hope that everyone who listens to the album will experience the same joy I felt in discovering them.

-----------------------

To be entered into the contest for a free album, share the album page ("Midwinter Carols" - By Joel Clarkson) on your Facebook, Twitter, or become a fan of Joel on Facebook (Joel Clarkson Music on Facebook). You will receive an entry for each individual way that you promote this. I know you will enjoy this album as much as I do. I keep these tunes with me all day long! Here's a sample of a lovely piece from the album:

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*used blog 11/11/21 Mentoring Monday: Guess What I Have In Print?

10gifts

Now, after many requests, we have redesigned 10 Gifts from Kindle to print,  so you can hold it and mark it up!

Several years ago as my son, Joel, was considering where he should go to school for training in composing and music, an older friend suggested, "Put yourself into the best school in which you can get accepted. Place yourself in the presence of the very best musicians, those who will always pull you upward in excellence, and you will find yourself to become a more excellent musician."

His advice was absolutely perfect for Joel. There was only one school in the United States he wanted to attend, and studying there, for Joel's skills have opened doors in many areas because his training was so excellent. He is now scoring and orchestrating music for PBS, for music that is being played all over the world with a well-known composer, movie scores and choral projects. Those who have influenced his education were some of the best in their field.

Similarly, when Joy attended a national competition for acting, singing and performance, she did well and received lots of affirmation. However, a wise judge said, "Joy, you are a big fish in a little pond. If you desire to become really excellent in your field, you need to move to a city where others much more excellent than you will challenge you and bring up the standard of performance which you have found acceptable. Training to excellence and accountability is always the key to growing in your skill and talent."

These two stories have propelled my children to seek to be influenced by people more excellent than themselves and because of this, their growth has been amazing. These stories are a picture of training--Training is defined as: the process of bringing a person to an agreed standard of proficiency by practice and instruction.

Children will become excellent in character because of being instructed in what is true, excellent, right, lovely, pure, and then in becoming proficient in practicing these virtues in their lives to become proficient in them.

A mother's glory is to be able to so imprint the soul of her children, that they become strong morally, emotionally, spiritually and in the skills of life. Yet, training must be intentional, prepared, with very specific goals in mind.

The 10 Gifts of Wisdom came out of my families desire to address what seem to be essential areas of life foundations that will prepare children to become young adults who are strong, stable, spiritual and influential in their sphere of influence. Jesus desires that we send our children into the world as lights in the darkness and as salt--the savory spice of life to those longing for truth, for life to make sense, for forgiveness and redemption.

Yet, as we look at the landscape of culture, it seems that Christians have been powerless to influence it. Many believers are passive and think their job is just to get by without engaging in "corrupt" issues of life--to withdraw from culture. But Jesus says, "I do not pray that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one." He wants there to be such light, beauty, faith, confidence in our children, as we have prepare them to be warriors for His kingdom, that they go into life, ready to make an impact for His kingdom, ready to stay strong, instead of being rendered powerless or ineffectual because of lack of training.

And so, I wrote this book with the idea of giving mamas a clear picture of the goal of instruction. I will be giving away 2 copies this week. To enter, please share about this book on your facebook, twitter, leave a comment, or to your friends in any way you deem (emails, support group, etc.) and you can get an entry for each way you have shared.

I pray that it blesses you and your precious children.

Click here to get your copy of 10 Gifts of Wisdom IN PRINT!

1ogiftsifwisdom3D

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No Family is really ever picture perfect! Revisited--mine still isn't!

 

Now, exactly, two years since I wrote this post, I am still battling "tired" and yet following my path at a fast jog, as life keeps demanding my all. But, I am at a happy place of weary because God has blessed so much the opportunities to keep being involved in Kingdom pursuits. And, so I am also busier than ever coaching/mentoring/encouraging my own children as they seek to be faithful pursuing God's call on their lives in the world.

The busyness and pulling in many different directions never ends. Daily, my children call, need me, money, Clay, advice, come and go and bring, it seems a whirlwind of friends--that also require meals, talks, life and make more messes. Ideals fly, thank the Lord, as still the loud and crazy life is still filled with ideals. So, yes--tired is still the norm, but fulfilling tired at the moment. So, here, I give you my heart that has not changed, though now two years from the date I wrote this.

 Is anyone tired yet? Whether you are chasing toddlers or teens, whisking your elementary school children to a myriad of activities, or filling out college applications or training your child to drive (EEEk--I did it 4 times as it just wasn't Clay's thing._I am tired but mostly, blissfully so. (Only a few teary, over-whelmed moments--but then isn't that a part of the tension of family life and then trusting the Lord?) Sarah, my 27 year old daughter, is home now for 2 weeks, before she goes to Oxford in England.  She is filled to the brim with newly espoused ideals and thoughts. (and here we are, tomorrow, going to Oxford again.) Joy, 16,  is in Sense and Sensibility for 12 performances this season, which means late nights and an exhausted body and lots of running around. Joel, 25, is home and Nate comes very soon.  Food will be a constant--with one boy at 6’3 and the other 6’5”, it takes a whole lot of groceries and cooking to fill them up--which also means more dishes.....arrggghhhh!

I feel a little bit like I am riding a wild stallion and holding on for dear life, at times. Joel, my 25 year old, once jokingly said, "You know our family is like one of those loud Jewish intellectual families in Fiddler on the Roof who had an opinion on everything and has to discuss everything from the mundane to the sublime. Or maybe it is a fiery Irish family with abundance of spunk or a rousing, dancing Greek family, or Italians eating feasts chattering and, oh, well, Mom, you get the picture!"  It wears me out just to contemplate it--but I did know what he meant--there is not much quiet or calm about us when we are all together!

This “loud” image also grew not only in my mind.  While Nate practiced his drums, Joel was composing piano tunes in our living room on my childhood piano, in the midst of Clay trying to talk to me about his day, Joy’s friends came over and laughed and giggled and ate and here it is again, made messes. When they left,  Nate and Joy were practicing singing to tape tracks--over and over and over and did I say, again, over?. (all while the dog barked intermittently at the fox outside and and growled and wrestled with the boys on the floor.) And Sarah, coming out of her bedroom, said, “Can anyone ever hope to get a nap around here?

I think there is an illusion for most moms, that some day, some future day, when my kids grow up, things will become calmer, easier, less demanding. Perhaps we think having a family where the life of God is real and love is sprinkled all around and great ideas flow and people are always eating or drinking--that somehow it will be calm, in order and quiet--or that somehow the work load will become lighter or that maybe if I ever get my act together, there will be peace and order, and more  time to focus on myself.

Somehow I thought that my training would transform my children into something supernatural. But though, all have matured, and I am so blessed that they love us and love the Lord, all are very much the same and have the same personality issues and antics. The mix of all of us together is dramatic--never a dull moment.

My role as a mother has grown with my children, but it has never lessened.

After all these years, I have realized that my years have always been busy.  I am in more demand as a mom than ever, because my children still need my voice and advice and love and time as they enter into a very challenging world.

Yet, now, when my house is full of the life of all of us together, my heart is filled. We are together. This is the family where I belong. We have shared memories, same tastes in movies, books, food, life-habits, traditions--years invested --invisible chords that tie our hearts together. We care about one another in ways that no one else in the world cares.

The ride is still an adventure, but somewhere along the way, I learned to hang on and now I am even enjoying the ride.

Last night as I tucked Joy into bed, she commented, "Our family can be overwhelming, Mom! But I am so glad that everyone is here. I would rather have the wildness, the messes, the noise with all of us together and loving each other, than for it to always be calm with no one here to share life with! This is really going to be the best Christmas!”

And so my wish to you is, that you will be able to enjoy the ride, the journey, the days--hold fast your ideals--even if it is not picture perfect, today, this year, and remember that the adventure is worth the ride.

Helping your daughters overcome insecurity: An "Identity Girls" Giveaway!

***The following post was written by my wonderful, almost daughter-in-law, Rachael Lee, who is having such an encouraging impact on so many young women.

Last year, at age 21, I sat deep in thought on the kitchen floor of my tiny studio apartment in Hollywood, as I began writing about my journey in my new book, "Identity Girls." As I allowed myself to reflect on my life, my past, all that I had been through, I realized that it took many years, twists and turns, and lots of grace to overcome insecurities and find my true identity in Christ.

Most young women, myself included, have wasted so much time seeking purpose and value by the world's definitions. Whenever I found myself striving to live up to the unrealistic expectations and pressures of culture, my heart and soul grew weary. Women were created to be clothed in strength and dignity, but looking around at our culture today, I see so much brokenness. So much hurt. So much insecurity.

We are a generation with a serious identity crisis, desperately wanting to be able to define who we are. Perhaps some of your own daughters (tweens, teens, or early twenties) are currently in the midst of seeking answers and trying to figure out their own personal ideals, beliefs, and dreams. Our world is filled with girls who compare themselves to photo-shopped magazines. We are told that our value is in our bodies and we allow our insecurities keep us from the abundant life.

The message I have for young women is a message of truth and grace from personal experience. We are all flawed. We have all made mistakes. But we are also beautifully & wonderfully made. Our negative self-talk and low self-esteem keep us from being women of influence. Your daughters need to know that they are able to rise above all difficulty, hurt, mistakes, and flaws to become confident world changers. 

This is a time and a generation filled with young women who desperately need to know they are worthy, valuable, and strong. All we need to do is change the definition of ourselves. Often times, we allow all the wrong things to define who we are. Or maybe right now you have a daughter who's not even sure of who she is anymore.

What are you clothed in today? Hurt? Insecurity? Baggage?

Forget the lies this world has told you about who you are, and join me on this 30 day journey to solving the grand identity crisis as we find our true identities in Christ.

Check out some reviews below from readers who have been encouraged and inspired by "Identity Girls": "Identity Girls by Rachael Lee is a great devotional for young women who are struggling with their identity (and even those who aren't). Rachael writes in a way that captivates the reader, and makes them eager to read the next part. After reading this book, you will have a better understanding of who God designed you to be as a woman of the King. It is one of the best devotionals for young women that I have read!" -Katie

"This is an incredible devotional that truly helps young women understand who God says they are versus the worlds definitions. The messages are powerful and life changing and are communicated so beautifully by Rachael Lee...she has a fun and authentic way of delivering powerful messages! This is a must read and a must lead (as a group)! What a tremendous bible study this will make! A+++++" -Rachel

"This is a must read. The devotional is a mix of relatable personal experience, Bible verses, and inspirational messages to jump start your day and your relationship with God. I love how it guides you in prayer and encourages journaling. This is exactly what I needed in the morning to get in some time with God!" -Julie 

For just $3.99, you can help the young women in your life heal, grow, and find their true purpose, calling, and identity in Christ. And make sure you enter into the giveaway at the bottom of this article for your chance to win a FREE copy of the "Identity Girls" e-book!

Purchase the PDF version of "Identity Girls" that you can read easily on your computer:

Purchase the Amazon Kindle version of "Identity Girls" that you can read on your iPad, iPhone, or Kindle:

Rachael Lee is a young author who moved to Hollywood at age 17 to pursue her career in the entertainment industry. In the midst of following her dreams, Rachael realized that God was putting some bigger dreams on her heart. Through acting in film and television, modeling, writing, speaking, and mentoring, Rachael is passionate about helping young women grow closer to God and feel secure in who they are as they travel on their own unique journeys.  Rachael is engaged, and will be getting married to the man of her dreams, Nathan Clarkson, on March 1, 2014. When she isn’t doing all of the things listed above, Rachael loves spending time with her fiancé, her silly Chihuahua, hosting girls nights, and loves cooking/baking. 

Click here to find Rachael Lee's blog for young women.

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Integrity: Knowing what is right and living outwardly by these Internal standards

http://youtu.be/ekcdy9fO2oU

Teaching children to know what is right and then to have the integrity to do what is right.

The word integrate comes from a root word which means undivided. The moral sense of integrity, then, insinuates teaching our children to know and understand what is true and right and then to live accordingly, without a divided heart.

24 Family Way # 21: We do what we know is right regardless what others do or say.

Right is always right even if no one is doing it, wrong is always wrong even if everyone is doing it.

Memory Verse: Psalm 1:1-2

"How blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But His delight is in the law of the Lord and in this law He meditates day and night."

When we teach our children moral and spiritual integrity, we give them foundations of strength and wisdom to face any issue that may come up in their lives.

We teach them not to walk--move, travel, follow the road of righteousness--not to walk in the counsel--the wisdom and advise of the wicked. The voices of the world, wicked and some just short-sighted and immature, are coming out of media, the internet, television, movies so quickly no one even notices anymore. But if our children want to have a way "not" to walk in the counsel of the world, they must have the counsel of the Bible in their minds so they can walk in the path of the righteous.

Standing in the path of sinners---often, we see Christians standing right at the point of compromise--in the path of sinners--maybe not sinning or being immoral, exactly, but certainly not distinguishing themselves as holy and set apart for God's purposes. They want to be liked, to be like the world, fit into the world because it is not easy to stand alone. Yet, the godly cannot, may not stand in the pathway of sinners and dwell there without becoming compromised.

Not sit in the seat of scoffers. We are also not called to point fingers, cast judgement, criticize others as we sit passively by pontificating. We are called to redeem, to bring light, to counteract the messages of culture.

But His delight is in the law of the Lord. Delight insinuates pleasure, something I seek gladly, something I greatly enjoy. The godly person seeks with all of his heart and with gladness, the wisdom of God, the truth of God, the ways of God.

For our children to have integrity, and to live undivided, they must understand the strength, sure foundation and nuance of the word of God. And then, this child will be secure and blessed.

A letter from me to you--and catching up on life as I have been living it!

My bed and breakfast in the Alps

Every once in a while, I feel the urge to report what I am really doing in life and what I am really thinking about. It is not that I haven't really been engaged on my blog and with my friends out in the internet world. I have made some "live" forays into my world of friends, (attempted Google hangout, launching 10 Gifts, writing some articles now and then)---you! But mostly I have been busy with life, my children, out of town company, writing 4 projects at once (oh my poor brain--ideals always get me into trouble.), leading my local Bible study of 180 women, and enjoying life on my own terms.

I have been wishing to write more about growing convictions, deep convictions from times gone by, and other articles that I feel could be life-changing for many. But I am unwilling to give up what I consider my life priorities just to spend time on the internet, which must rob me from some of the building life part now.

So what have I been doing?

Austrian Flower Market

I took a 3 week mission/pleasure trip to Vienna and Poland and spent time in my old haunts, met with old friends, shopped, drank lots and lots of coffee, hiked in the vineyards and mountains, ate amazing meals with stimulating people--(I love the international world where many of my friends read broadly, travel world-wide, live by convictions and ideals and have a bigger picture than their local world.) This is the place I cut my teeth on life-values and life-foundations, so I must go back once in a while to feel a part of my true self, that sometimes gets lost in the local. And so a part of my soul began to come back to life that had gotten lost in the mundane for a while.

 Sukiennice, Krakow, Poland--just down the street where I attended University Classes and near my apartment..

Important conversations there: My friend and I talked about how living by faith and taking risks had made all the difference in our lives in seeing God work in amazing ways. One must live to serve Him and go wherever He says in order to see Him work in a supernatural way.

 

I flew Joy home from college because we will all be apart from each other for Thanksgiving for the first time.

Important conversations: The foundations that are invested in a child's mind and soul, inform how excellently and deeply they live when they are making decisions as a young adult. Children without a broad understanding of the Bible, without having served many people, without having read and thought and discussed and owned convictions, do not have the moral, spiritual or emotional strength to stand on their own when it comes to living a set apart (holy) life of excellence for God. (Joy is an RA over 40 young women and is in leadership every day with them, and in speech and debate and is growing like a weed in her walk with God.) This from her living with them the past 3 months. (Thus--more impetus for me having written 10 Gifts of Wisdom---so so so important to train your children in Biblical virtues in this day and time.)

Flew Nathan home this week because I wanted one last shot at him alone before he gets married.

Important conversations: The foundations of reading scripture every day when he was growing up speaks to his life every day that he is living in Hollywood and has guided his steps to walk with God, to follow wisdom and to live for the kingdom. He says foundations have made him the man he is. (Again, he validated the 10 Gifts--he sees so many compromising every day, wounding themselves.)

Also, how people seem to think "professional Christians"--those in full time ministry, are the ones who are supposed to be about God's business in the world--or that leadership and stewardship is just a personality issue (a rationalization of course) but how few people he knows live purposefully and how few in his life have vision and passion for living for Christ. (seems all of my kids feel strongly how hard it is to find kindred, godly friends who share their values, but still they have a vision that keeps them moving forward and how much our family's constant gatherings help give accountability to keeping going--family is the glue.)

(must admit I am so very sweetly and humbly blessed to see my children all coming to this conclusion--the power of family culture to keep them growing as Christians.)

Blogs I wish I had time to write:

The pace at which we lead life and the adrenalin we expend is simply ridiculous

Compartmentalizing Christianity--and compromising life every day amongst believers--you can't say you love Christ and then neglect your children or get divorced without just cause or commit adultery and then just hope an apology will do or sleep with your boyfriend in between weekly church services or engage in pornography or have an appetite for sexually explicit movies and just count on grace, etc......... (I go to church, I give my ten percent, I study the Bible and pray---and thinking that is enough, when God wants people who are alive with His kingdom purposes, those who have a heart for redeeming the world, those who will bow their knee to do His will whatever it takes--like serving children, staying married, choosing to seek to be excellent and not compromising morally, and determining to become a speaker/teacher/leader because so many are lost. God will not  be compromised--He is holy, He wants us to walk with Him and honor Him--He is sick of offerings without heart.

Teaching your young adult children that morality is not an action to be defined but a heart issue of purity to pursue--a roadway to walk upon. 

For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you.  For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.  So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you. I Thess. 4: 3-8

That if a man or woman is asking you or giving you permission to compromise and go down a road of lust, passion, then that person does not walk with God. Of course I believe people can be forgiven, but there is a lot of foolish understanding about this area (what is too much? how far can I go?--These are not the right questions--sex is reserved for marriage for all of the great purposes of marriage and family.   One walking with the Lord should be moving toward a pure heart, possessing his body in sanctification and honor----someday when I have time, I would love to write more about how to build a vision for marriage, family, life, sex that gives strength, hope and purpose instead of just conforming to the "world's values."

Idolatry of any kind: Cherishing anything in your heart that you think will bring you fulfillment apart from God Himself, is a false hope. Supposing that getting a child married, or having popularity in the blogging world or having money or the right husband or different children, "or or or" will ever fill that large vacuum or fear in your heart that makes you long for more--only God and His will and ways can fill those longings--anything else you talk yourself into justifying, will, in the end, bring you unhappiness and emptiness--and often then, people blame God for ill-consequences when God would never have led them to make such pre-emptive decisions.

The power and influence of a godly home--why having lots of children is God's idea and such a blessing because my kids are my best friends and such a blessing to me personally, why marriage and family is the way to preserve life and righteousness--getting back to the design, and how not to listen to the voices of  Christians and to the world-unless there is integrity, history of life, and context of historical scripture---laws do not define spirituality.

But, if I keep my priorities centered, (God, Clay, my kids, my family and then ministry), I do not have time to accomplish all that I wish or to do what it would take to be more popular or successful as a blogger, writer, leader---first things first--my priority people and God always, always take precedence.

Westminster Abbey

Next week, I am so very excited because I will go to England with Joel and Sarah to a 2 day C.S. Lewis conference in London where C.S. Lewis will be placed with honor in West Minster Abbey. (I will be gone for 10 glorious days.) The church will be closed for 2 days for the conference and if you have never been to Westminster Abbey, it sings with history and heroism and faith. I had a free plane ticket and free hotel points and so I cannot wait to be there with two of my favorite people in the world. (And I have the best husband in the world who blesses me to go while he stays home and remains responsible to hold the fort and the conferences and ministry down.--Thanks for being my husband, Clay.)

So now you know a few of the ways I have been living my life--along with great mountain walks, always books, homemade meals by candlelight, lots of visiting and sharing life with kindred spirits who stimulate me--most of all, Clay and my sweet children, sweet movies that bring tears, always, 24/7  music we listen to, and being outside with the wintry stars, changing leaves, traveling through the Alps, looking at God's handiwork, and thanking God for my life.

Too long, I know, but wanted you to know some of what is really going on in my life. Have a great weekend!

*used blog 11/4/21 Favoring The Broken Child

blessed

“Blessed are you who are poor,for yours is the kingdom of God.

Blessed are you who hunger now,for you will be satisfied. 

Blessed are you who weep now,for you will laugh.

Blessed are you when people hate you,

when they exclude you and insult you

and reject your name as evil,

because of the Son of Man.

Rejoice in that day

and leap for joy 

because great

is your reward

in heaven. "

-Luke 6:20-23

It always blows me away that our God has such a compassionate, loving heart. He counts each of our tears, keeps a record of our heartaches, knows our battles, and cares deeply for all of our hurts. Not only does God love those who face trials, but He favors them.

It is easy for us to misunderstand the idea of God favoring any of us. We all wish to be His favorite and hope that He understands us, but often we shrink back as though he is somehow put off by our inability to "be perfect.. As a mother, you have probably at one point or another had your children ask which child is your "favorite." Of course, we don't have a favorite child. We love all of our children so very deeply, and our love for each of them is so unique as no two children will be the same.

However, think back to a time when one of your children was really sick. Possibly battling a bad cold, the flu, a stomach virus, or maybe something even more severe. When you have a sick child in your home, where is the majority of your attention? Who are your eyes glued to? Where is your heart's love and concern? Our immediate attention favors the child in need. This doesn't mean that we have a favorite child, and it does not diminish our love for the other sweet ones in the home. It simply means that we must focus in on the broken child. Our thoughts are of this child.

God is the same toward us.

When you are struggling financially and don't know how your family will make it through, God is favoring you, because you need his special attention and care. When you are hungry (physically, emotionally, or spiritually), God is waiting to bless you, because as a good Father, He wants to meet your needs and care for you. When you are weeping, God is weeping with you and He is anticipating the day when you will laugh again. When your heart is broken, God's eyes are focusing in on you.

Don't become overwhelmed and consumed by fear in the midst of your difficulty, but remember that God is favoring His broken children.

And understand, He will never, ever forget you, no matter what. As Isaiah tells us:

"Can a womanforgether nursingchildAnd havenocompassionon the sonof her womb?Eventhesemay forget,but I will not forgetyou.

1"Behold,I have inscribedyou on the palms[of My hands];" Isaiah 49-15-16

God favors you, because you are HIs, and His heart is towards his

God favors us and cares for us, even when we fail, because it is the sick who need a physician, and  because we are His own, He will always be deeply concerned about our welfare. Today, He has His eye on you, and if you are broken, He is there to feeling compassion and care for His child who is ailing. His eye is on His child in need. Look for him to care for you as a mother cares for her own. He will never forget you.

Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it!

Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it---at least I hope so!

Disaster! Last night was not at all what I hoped for us to be able to talk. Tempted to give up---but I shall keep going and finding a better server and host for our sweet mamas who gathered!

Please forgive me!

I am sooo sorry about last night! OOOohhhhhhh my! What difficulties we had. About 4 people were accepted to Google and then it started crashing. We didn't know that we would have 1100, as many signed up at the last, and  women coming for the hang out and I guess that if everyone registers at once, it causes the server to crash.

I didn't know we were on so that everyone could see us, fumbling and bumbling around---another part I was not expecting to be recorded for life! So if you have the Google hangout, you get to see us figuring it out, and all sorts of antics!

Please forgive us for all who were disappointed! I was quite disappointed, as well, as I do not want to waste anyone's time. But, someone told me it was on youtube and so I just started in and talked and talked.

We had our 6 topical areas and verses all arranged, but I just decided to jump in as my host was distracted with all the technicalities. And so I quickly tried to say many things I had prepared in the middle of the technological difficulties. Hope some of it blesses!

For those of you who didn't get to see it and want to watch it, you can go to the connection below, and I will embed it to my blog tomorrow after I get some sleep.

Tomorrow is another day with no mistakes in it.....yet! Said Anne of Green Gables! I thought of her tonight! We shall try again and have people sign on 15 minutes early next time.

Again, I am sooo sorry this happened.

Fast forward to about 31 minutes and that is around where it starts!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC6f7YiNFAA&feature=share

Remember--it officially starts at around 26 minutes! Hope somehow this is encouraging!

Hangout LIVE with Me Tonight!

UPDATE LINK - Click HERE

Motherhood matters because we are the ones being used by God to form the foundations of heart, mind and soul of our children--and their story will be told through out eternity.

Raising godly children in your home has never been more important. Join me tonight (November 4th) for a discussion about how to build a home, an atmosphere and a message that will shape your children's hearts for eternity.

For many years, I have hosted studies, leadership intensives and Bible studies in my home. I cannot host everyone in my home, so I thought I would bring my home to you! Join me and tell all of your friends about our evening to discuss these where to start in becoming a mom who passes on wisdom, and how to last in this demanding role of motherhood. We shall have a grand time together.

UPDATE LINK - Click HERE

The Transforming Power of Graciousness: Mentoring Monday Way #20

http://youtu.be/aW7ozuscefE The video above was recorded almost 2 years ago. Women all over the world tell us they are sad that they can't go to a mom's conference because we do not have them in their areas. For several years, Clay and I have been trying to figure out how to reach more women with e-conferences, materials, videos--and tryig to figure out what is sustainable for us and for you. I have gotten so much great feedback from the webcast we did last week, so we are trying to figure out how to do more. But I may even try my hand at some podcasts soon. Let me know if you like these ways of our reaching out.

I am excited to pursue more ways to help, inspire and encourage women--especially in this time when babies and mamas are not affirmed for the amazingly strategic role they have in the lives of future generations through the sweet ones in their home. Pray for us as we develop new ways. We are hosting our last Mom Heart Conference--celebrating year 20. But we have plans for more conferences up our sleeves--if God works  it out with us.

This fall, I will be going through the study guide and issues of the Own Your Life Book by using the planner as a guide, alongside the book Own Your Life. I will have both audio and written articles to inspire. Hope you will join me for this. Thanks for the great mail I have received about the conference and the study guide. So glad it is helping and you have enjoyed it. Below is another look at way 20 because I wanted you to have the video to see that we have been working on more media for a couple of years. It is coming!

And oh, the picture below--wouldn't it be great if we all met in a beautiful old castle and had tea and talk together. Not quite my life, is it yours? Blessings today!

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John Robert Dicksee

Gracious: characterized by kindness, thoughtfulness, and warm courtesy.

Tea-time-relationships: serving someone thoughtfulness, time and kindness has opened many hearts in my life-time.

"Graciousness is that quality in a person's behavior towards others that shows them their worth, their value in God's eyes and honors them based on God's image and imprint on their lives. "

Sally C.

WAY # 20: We choose to be gracious, even when we do not feel like it! 

Memory Verse:

"Let love of the brethren continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some haveentertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:1-2

Deep throated shouting, the shrill screams of a woman, dust flying, crowds running to see the spectacle, left the terrified woman fearing for her life. The Pharisees were bringing a woman caught in adultery and were attempting to test Jesus to see just how liberal He was--to see if He would defy the law and extend his hand of grace to a woman waiting to be killed by the stoning the law required.

Perhaps this woman was poor and had stooped to make money the wrong way. Perhaps she was abused, or deeply wounded and lonely. Or even just selfish and caught in lust. But, in the crowd of men, screaming, jeering people, she must have felt terror, shame, fear and grief all at once.

Jesus, the God who had formed her, looked into her eyes, saw her heart, knew all of her days and acts, and knew her deep need for forgiveness. I imagine Him giving His hand to her to pull her off the ground, helping her brush the dust off of her garment. And then, he extended a gentle but authoritative voice of graciousness.

"Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either." John 8: 10

Jesus, the perfect one, who "while we were yet sinners, died for us." Jesus, who, "although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God to be grasped." Jesus, "while being reviled, did not revile in return, but kept trusting Himself to God."

When Jesus looks into the eyes of my heart, He invites me in--to know His love, His wisdom, His truth, His admonition, His correction. Always, He is gentle and meek, as that is His way. Being in His presence does not call me to want to sin more, quite the opposite. His example of dignifying me and all of us of His children by seeking us out, redeeming us, being gentle and long-suffering with us, causes me to want to be more righteous, more sacrificial, more generous, more of a servant. His life transforms me. But His life is one of gracious behavior.

How many people are in our lives who have felt the sting of condemnation, criticism, abuse and we might be the only ones who show them the gentle, gracious, humble love of God.

When we teach our children to be gracious, we are teaching them:

Not to judge but to see themselves as those who extend the supernatural forgiveness of God

Teaching them not to think about themselves but others

Training them to have self-control over their emotions--to choose to be gracious as a part of the values that inform their behavior

Showing them how to face the world as Jesus did--not as a legalistic Pharisee, but as the servant King

When someone is king or thoughtful or honoring of me, it ministers to me greatly. In a world of cynicism, easy judgement on facebook, (I cringe every time someone easily criticizes me--especially when many of my critics have never even met me.), and a world of back-biting and gossip, the graciousness of God which honors a person because God has honored them, is transforming and will draw others to Christ.

And so, we treat our children with respect, serve them in humility, choose to use honorable words to our husbands, to friends, because when they learn this attribute of God, they will become those who win the souls of others who are so longing for someone to validate their worth.

This is something we practice, we grow in. If you are like me, you blow it and lose your patience. But God Himself, humble, bowing His knee in the dirty ground, asks us to do as He did. The more I practice and ponder this attribute of His behavior, the more amazed I am that He would ever forgive me--but in knowing His gentle, dignified and generous honoring of His very own children, I have come to love Him more and appreciate my salvation more deeply because I understand each day how much I do not deserve it.

May God give each of us the strength today to behave in a gracious way, so that the world may see what Jesus is like through us every day.

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Here is the study guide that I will use this fall.

Order HERE