Boys, Burps and Blessings

What Happens When Women say YES... to God!

2011-08-15T10:36:00.002-04:00

Dearest women...

What a season it has been! On September 5th 2011, I'm sailing into a
new adventure in my home on a six-week
video discussion series with Bible teacher and speaker,
Lysa TerKeurst and YOU, dear neighbor, are invited!

Here's a special message from Ms. TerKeurst herself from
the series we will be embarking on:

"No matter who you are, no matter where you've been, no matter
what your current circumstances are, nothing needs to happen
to clean you up or to make you more spiritually mature before
you start becoming a woman who says YES to God.

It can happen today!

When a woman says YES to God, her obedience sets off a chain
reaction of divine change --she changes, those around her change
and the world changes. Truly, one person saying yes to God
can change the world. I believe that with all my heart.
That doesn't mean our obedience will be broadcast
on the evening news, but it will start a series of events
that could lead many people to experience God.

I want you to know deep down in your bones that He can be
so much more than just an item on our good-Christian-girl
checklist. God is truly to be experienced in an intimate
relationship, and He invites us to encounter Him every day.

Will you accept the invitation?"

Please visit my facebook webpage: SvdbyGrace@facebook.com
or send me a personal email: allenz5@comcast.net
message for more details. Also, here's a link and a
sneak peek into the series, the interactive workbook that
is needed:
http://www.amazon.com/What-Happens-Women-Interactive-Workbook/dp/0736928944/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1313411215&sr=8-2

The adventure begins: September 5th (Mondays for six weeks)
Time: 10am -12

Thank you and hope to see you there: Please see TOPICS below:

DISCOVER IN SIX LIFE-CHANGING WEEKS:

1. The power of One: Celebrating stories of how God works
2. The five Questions: How to recognize His leading
3. Learning to Live Openhanded: How to receive His blessings
4. Simple Acts of Obedience Change the World: Ways to have transforming faith
5. I want to Say Yes, but I'm afraid: How to release excuses
6. So what does God want me to do: How to live in His will

A New Journey Begins...

2011-07-14T08:22:00.001-04:00

Well... at long last, I'm writing again. I know, been quite a while.
For those of you who don't know, we've recently moved our family to a
more rural/suburban location in the Boyertown, Pa area. Can I just say,
we LOVE this place! We've got farmer's markets, racing, family restaurants
everywhere, scenic drives, best fireworks displays and lots of community events.

Our new home is quite cozy, spacious and fun... for living in a townhome community
too! It makes you just get out and meet new people, I love being forced to do that, lol.
The neighborhood is wonderful, families are often seen outdoors, taking care of their
homes, chatting with people, children playing and nearby park is helpful too.

God has truly blessed our family in many ways and we are so thankful.

The boys are adjusting well with our new transition too. Though, Charles (big brother No.
1) is away on his summer vacation, he's excited about having his own room and a
basement to play with his brothers in. Spencer (big brother No. 2) is thrilled to have
a bigger home to play in, a neighborhood with kids his age too. Joshua (Not the big brother)
had a little bit of frustration not knowing where he was for a couple of days, adjusting
to a new room, place etc. but finally is running around the house, all smiles with mommy
and meeting new little friends daily too!

Tony and I are just relieved that God gave us a new start to begin again financially,
"new smaller bills" that aren't breaking our back or bank anymore. Everything is new.
I truly missed that feeling! Change was inevitable and it has been good to us thus
far, cannot complain.

So.... that's all for now as far as family updates. We're all just settling into this new home,
neighborhood and looking forward to what God has in store for our family next! Stay
tuned for news on the job front and anything else that happens in the Allen family....
thanks for staying with us everybody!

There's No Place Like... Home!

2011-05-27T14:53:00.003-04:00

THE ALLEN'S NEW RESIDENCE
End of June 2011

Thank You Heavenly Father...
For your favor, provision and wisdom during our searches.
We want our home to honor You above
all and for it to be a place where family and friends can be at peace and
rest as well as much laughter, song and dances!

May your sovereign blessing be upon this home as we await
the adventures to come!

Where are your thoughts these days???

2011-05-20T11:19:00.003-04:00

33 YEARS OF LOVE

2011-04-19T10:39:00.010-04:00

IMAGE SOURCE PAGE: http://wau.org/resources/article/re_transformed_into_christ/

There were so many topics to write about today on my birthday. I thought about writing how
many times I've been blessed by God, forgiven by Him, times I'm grateful for,
places I've gone, 33 of my favorite desserts, people who are dear to me, why I'm here etc.
Until I read something in my Bible this morning... I was led to Proverbs 31 and with it was
a devotional:

Strength in Wisdom

"Homemaking is unique in combining the most menial jobs

with the most meaningful tasks; it is a challenge to

accommodate others without losing one's own identity;

it is a demanding pursuit, but the fringe benefits

are terrific"

I believe the Lord really does speak to us if we're listening closely enough to hear Him. He's

usually quite loud and clear too. Because He's a faithful, compassionate God, He, yet again,

met me where I'm at today in life, one place in particular --Motherhood. Having three adorable

boys to train up beside my wonderful husband, this blessed word brings to mind many

feelings/emotions to me as I'm sure it does for most called to mother.

It continues to show me just how The Father trains, nurtures, grieves, enjoys and disciplines us as

His own children looking something like this...

Screaming for something more... Parent says: "Not right now-you'll understand why later"

You don't understand Mom / Dad.... "Yes, yes I do"

Why can't I have what I want, it's not that much?.... "Because you're not ready for it"

I don't need to sleep, I wanna play... "Rest is good for you"

I'm gonna try it anyway, it won't hurt me... "Lord, forgive her"

Why doesn't anybody care?... "I do"

I'm in pain and hurting so bad... "I'm here with you"

and my favorite... because I said so!

you get the idea.

I think about how often the Lord has been VERY accommodating for me and has met all of my
needs, WOW!

Today, the Lord made it so I wouldn't be alone on my birthday. I woke up to a loving husband who always gives me hugs and kisses and "that look", a son who politely asked me my age today

so he could write a special birthday announcement on the refrigerator with a big ole' cheesy grin, an energetic toddler who just wants to be held in my arms so I can love him, give kisses and hugs whenever I want and constant laughter, and finally, a young man entering teenage years who continues to show respect to me with his gentle endearing way. I've been shown who God is right under my own roof!

I'm THANKFUL to be a part of God's plan and see daily, we're consistently loved by a big God and here to ENJOY life, work, cry, play, laugh, love, build, create, grieve, sing, dance together for the Kingdom's beautiful cause.

So, why did I choose my heading today to be "33 YEARS OF LOVE"

because all the while asking questions, seeking answers, failing, doubting, trying, and accomplishing throughout the fleeting years of my life thus far...

God has shown me His grace, mercy, forgiveness and His character through everyone I encounter, everything I put my hands or mind to, every place I step into and so on... faithfully reassuring me of His never-ending love toward me, meeting me in secret places of my heart and where I'm at quite often, I know that Jesus is all I really need and my birthday is dedicated to the One who gave me life and a transformed one today!

Everything else God provides is surely His provision/favor and what a blessing that is to share with the world!

The sentence that popped out at me within the devotional above was;

"without losing one's own identity"

What is my identity? A 33 year old wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, dancer, true. But, even more, I'm an image bearer of El Elyon, "The Most High God" and of One in the same spirit, El ROI, "The God who sees" little ole' me with His purpose in mind from my very first breath of life all the way to my very end of life. He gave us value and worth beyond our own comprehension! He is everything. Loving, showing me, challenging me, training me for my very destiny... when we meet face to face someday, that eternal magnificent place in heaven, which is our everlasting home.

"Like a ballroom dance...
Jesus is my leading Man"

IMAGE SOURCE PAGE: http://terrail.deviantart.com/art/Ballroom-Dancers-96605985?q=&qo=

An opportunity to Worship through... DANCE!

2011-01-29T10:56:00.006-05:00

While Revolution is still in its development stages...

the Lord opened a door for me to minister through dance at an

awesome evening of Prayer, Praise & Worship at our church:

422CHURCH.COM. Check it out here!

There is a story that goes along with this dance as most of my dances have.
Several months ago I was led to this particular song, "Streetlight"
by Phil Danyew. Normally, the music I've chosen to dance to has been
to more lyrical/gospel type music so I was a bit taken a back by this one
a more contemporary/rock and "informal" hair/dress and believe it
represented me as I am before the Lord. He spoke to my heart and life
through this song and movement and I was so glad to share this
revelation publicly through my dancing expression.

The Lord started showing me visions of a routine/steps to bring it all to life
it ended up being an outward demonstration of how my relationship with
Him looks like and so I began dancing before The Lord with all my might!

He restored to me, my joy! A dance of RESTORATION!
"The Lord appeared to us saying, "I have loved you with
an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel.
Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance
with the joyful..." (Jer. 31:3-4)

Forgot to mention before... my garment
colors were also deliberate, the (black) representative of sin, death/
dying to self and the (purple) shows Jesus is my life now, making
"new" daily, God's Royalty & Kingship over everything.

The scarves/fabric used represented (blue) Heaven/Heavenly grace,
the (silver) represents Redemption.

I was free to be "me" in the Lord and it felt... magnificent!

The lyrics that struck me the most were: "I fell in love just trying to
understand, why You loved me first" and "Your heart is all I ever
want to know and I'll go anywhere You want to go." Enjoy!

The war wages on...

2010-12-26T22:16:00.004-05:00

Painting: SCHAEFER MILES

An excerpt from "Spiritual Warfare" booklet by Charles Stanley says:

"During the Gulf War, the eyes of the world were focused on the Middle

East and the strife building in that region. In wartime there is always a

threat of loss of life, dismissal of liberty, and emotional destruction.
Rarely does a nation emerge from war without some kind of physical
or psychological scars.

"However, there is a war far more destructive than the ones fought on
a battlefield. It is a spiritual war and it involves each one of us.
None of us is immune." Charles F. Stanley

This month, I'm doing a study on this particular subject and I'm sure it's
no coincidence that its been tough to say the very least!

Years ago, I "heard" about spiritual warfare but never received a clear
definition on what it is and why it matters to me exactly. Didn't hear too
much about it in church either. Meanwhile, wondering why I was having
doubts, illness, bad attitudes, anger, unforgiveness and unable to find joy
in my life, so many constant struggles.
What's up with that anyway? Some proclaim, "you're only human"
but there is much more to it than meets the eye.

Maybe I wasn't living by God's standards, maybe I wasn't in the Word
of God, maybe I wasn't raised to defeat demonic influence, maybe I was
just stubborn, maybe I just didn't care or don't care. I have to be clear that
God doesn't punish us or cause trouble for us "despite us"... sometimes
he may use troubles to get our attention, other times, your problem is an
enemy who seeks to destroy you, which is why it is so vital to learn about
this subject of Spiritual Warfare before it's too late!

Until my eyes were wide opened to God's revelations, the Lord showed me
who He is and why He came and died and rose so He could live in me,
this spiritual warfare knowledge seemed meaningless to me.
Maybe this is where you are spiritually today and this message could very
well be for you.

Something to think about...
"Satan will never tell you, "I'm your greatest threat." He comes as
an angel of light often times - a counterfeit of God's truth. He has
four main objectives: to tempt you to doubt the Word of God; to
distract you from spiritual things by overloading your schedule;
to disable you in the Lord's service by running your witness
through sin and guilt; to destroy your usefulness physically and/or
emotionally." Charles F. Stanley

"So why do we need warfare, what is so important about it and who am
I to use it?" Those are the thoughts that crossed my mind in the beginning
of my walk with the Lord.

Please make your own mind up to follow the Lord in obedience as you
seriously contemplate the following message:

"God called each of us to live a life of purity and holiness" (Rom. 12:1)
"Don't simplify the reality of Satan's presence in your life or those around
you. He is relentless. Satan wants to deceive you in believing he doesn't
exist. While Satan's power is limited, he was created by God and has
tremendous power, knowledge, and beauty. When we dismiss God's
warning to beware of his evil against us, we set ourselves up
for heartache and disappointment." (CFS)

BEHOLD, I GIVE YOU POWER
In Luke 10:19, Jesus tells His disciples; "Behold, I have given you
authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power
of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you." "He is speaking to them
and us today, about spiritual matters and avoiding being captivated
by the mind-set of this world.

One of the most important principles we must learn as believers is
that God's Word and the victory of Christ's death on the cross
have broken Satan's power over us. We do not have to shrink back
in fear but can stand victoriously as long as the source of our strength
is resting in Jesus Christ and not our own pride.

We can't do this in our own strength, so let's meditate on
this: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have
overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Ultimately, we must get to know our Savior. Build a relationship
with Him and don't neglect Him just as you wouldn't your spouse
or children. He needs to be our first priority in our everyday lives
because "the war wages on" with or without us. So let's get
fully prepared for the battle!

KEYS TO DEFEATING EVIL: THE ARMOR OF GOD.
http://www.crossroad.to/Victory/Armor.htm

"Busyness" Root Cause of Spiritual Problems?

2010-11-29T09:42:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving... another year has passed. Christmas... quickly approaching us.

LIFE... Where does the time go? Well, there could be many answers for that question.
If we're being honest, only God knows.

Though, I wonder how many times we've spent in solitude with our Savior particularly
during this holiday season? Even on a daily basis...

Obviously, I can't answer for everyone, however, my concern is that "we" humans
tend to be "creatures of habit"so to speak and can so easily get caught up in the hustle
n' bustle of life, holidays, our children, our businesses, and yes, even ministries of the church!

We could "blame it on" the traditions of man that we've grown up with through the years,
creating our own symbolic rituals or simply because we've become a part of the world system,
dare I say!

I don't think it would be cross of me to suggest that these behaviors can easily become
a dangerous lifestyle and create a meaningless thought-life to emotional numbness,
spiritual blindness and physical brokenness.

The definition of busyness is best described as:
"the state of being or appearing to be actively engaged in an activity"

Are you too busy right now??

Have you pushed others aside to fulfill your own selfish needs or desires?

Have you become so accustomed to living life for "you" OR the world system that
relationships and building relationships are just no longer an option or maybe
you just don't care anymore? Jesus longs for a relationship with you and patiently
waits for you to come to Him. Let's not take Him for granted, you never know when
you'll take your last breath!

If you can honestly answer YES to these questions... I'd like to challenge you with this
scripture as a reminder of what the Lord has to say about our busyness:

"Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

Your life is worth the time because God loves you!

You and I were made for Worship!

2010-11-15T15:22:00.002-05:00

Artist Unknown
My impression... Encounters with the Holy Spirit

Have you ever witnessed the Lord's presence in someone else?
Or captured the Lord's glory on your own? Amazing to say the least!

Some say that we cannot truly fathom His glory until we're in heaven. However,
I have experienced a very different view.

From the very first time the Holy Spirit enveloped my heart and life in an
overflowing of emotion and of God's love was when the Lord's presence filled my
room one day during an encounter dancing and I said, "Yes, I will go Lord"... in
2004, My temple (spirit, mind and body) has not been the same!

Dance/Movement has been a constant theme of my life since I took my very first steps
and I know now why the Lord chose movement to be the strongest
weapons against evil that I feel necessary to share with you today.

I've discovered that I was made to Worship the God of the Universe, Jesus Christ
above all other activities under the sun - even more than being a wife and mother!
And so are you by the way...

Some people believe Worship is as simple as singing praises, going to church,
being a part of something "spiritual" - those are all ways in which we can show
our worship to the Father however, there is MUCH much more to it!

You may ask yourself, "who is she to determine what Worship is for me?"
Well, I can tell you what I've experienced more recently, more of my testimony
to the Power of Christ in my life and so, here am I.

Have you ever watched a baby move? Of course you have.
What comes truly natural to them? Movement. Particularly when there is music on!
Turn up the volume and see what happens! This shouldn't be a revelation to you...lol

There is a spiritual matter at hand during the expression of dance that's for sure!
Some might argue that "dance" is carnal in nature, however, not so. Depending upon
your heart's desire that is. "Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty"... freedom
of expression.... one could conclude, dance as a part of that.

This subject is particularly excitable to me... for obvious reasons to those of you
who know all about me. Although, it's because the Lord has designed in us
the heart of a worshiper whether we let that spiritual side out of us or not!
It's inherently there! Now, this is getting good I tell you! Let's get to the crux
of the matter here. What in the world is Worship anyway?

"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your
bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your
spiritual service of worship." (Rom 12:1)

"Worthiness" thus, giving God the recognition He deserves... with our whole
selves! Nothing more (symbols/crosses around our necks, repetitive
prayers/religiosity) nothing less (just going to church).

God doesn't intend worship to be connected to a "place" or "thing" rather, our
heart attitude. Worshippers frequently spend some or all of their time
professing faith, praising God, thanking God and proclaiming truths about God.
Are you a Worshiper of the living God?

We have been bought at a high price! Therefore, honor God with your body.

For years a regular church goer or attendee at many different kinds of churches,
I was never able to fully grasp this knowledge that God made me, my whole being/
body to worship Him. I didn't realize that it was "okay" to lift my hands, shout for
joy, spin around and be joyful during worship and praise. How blind I was, how
desperate for the Lord I truly was. I hadn't experienced what it meant to worship
the Lord in spirit and in truth.

Until very recently that is. I thought it was "the church" that held me hostage because
some of them were extremely conservative almost sad during so-called Praise &
Worship time. Though, they have played a part in my spiritual set-backs and growth,
it was until the opening my heart, life and giving all of myself JOYFULLY toward
the Living God who set me free to move in His presence with complete abandon!
Kinda like David.... I get that now!

There are strongholds that the enemy of our souls sets up for us, especially in our
times of solitude and even in our corporate worship. Be aware of those tactics that
are used to hold you back from experiencing fullness in Christ. Examples of these
strongholds against us are: (Embarrassment, Sin, Anger, Bitterness and Unforgiveness)

Don't be ashamed anymore... be encouraged! Lift your hands, shout, sing, dance,
FEEL the Lord and His power and might through you.

Your body is where He (Jesus) longs to dwell and He is bursting at the seams to be
shown to the world through you... Let Him out, I dare you, you'll never be the same.

Lost my bloggy spirit along the way...

2010-10-18T10:36:00.000-04:00

I know, I know... been a couple of months since you last heard from
me on bloggerville in case anyone is listening out there.

Although, I can say its' been important for me to take a break from it.
Relationships were suffering a bit and I needed to get back
into the praying spirit rather than just chatting online and so, we are back
on track and balancing a little better these days.

"Life" and now FACEBOOK (is also the culprit I'm embarrased to say)
has been moving pretty fast around the Allen household but God has
been faithful and good as always along the way. So, here are some updates
I'd like to share with you. *I won't have any photos for a while, our camera
is on the fritz and our mac is out of order and temporarily down,
I'm working from a laptop now.

The Fam Updates:

Tony (my husband) has been taking college courses online with
Herzing University and doing excellent! Though VERY time consuming for him
as he's working a full time demanding deadline oriented job, taking classes in
the evening and still manages to hold down the fort at home with us!
He is AMAZING and so blessed am I to share in this with him.
I'm very proud of his ability to make learning appear
very easy. He's on the Dean's List this semester too! Keep him in your
prayers for him as he works hard to accomplish his Bachelor's degree
in Graphic design in 3 yrs!!! He is contemplating a new career in the future
too... and need clarity about where the Lord would have him be, he
wants to teach design/graphic art classes online or at ITT Tech Inst.
so we need some clarification on that note. As well as pray for him to keep his
sanity in tact along the way as he leads our family :))

Charles will be turning 12 this Saturday! Boy, time flies. Always keeps his room
cleaned (I know amazing) and he's managed to also maintain an "A" average in
6th grade this year, still "gifted" academically and we are amazed at his
maturity in school, with friends, at home and with his little brothers. Charles
thrives in learning environments and is helpful in his church classes too. He loves
to learn from his dad and is constantly helping Tony fix things around the house.
Though, we deal with some unorganization and lateness from him from time to time, he's
trying in those areas and always brings us much amazement and joy around here!

Spencer has been growing so much in alot of areas as well. He loves loves loves
his little brother Josh and tries to show him the ropes around the house, it quite
amuzing sometimes and protects him with his life, its so precious!
He's been learning to take the lead instead of sulk in his "Middle Child" position
and we're so glad about that! Spence's favorite subjects
are Math and Science and LUNCH. Spence is doing GREAT in those classes.
He enjoys his classes at church too. He helps mom with chores around the house too.
Needs work in spelling and some attitude adjustments from time to time,
but he's getting there and we are so blessed to have him in our lives.
Spence will be 10 in December, I can't believe it!

Joshua is now 18 mos old! He is running around our house, laughing, screaming
and just a ball of energy. Josh loves going to nursery at our new church. Josh
is curious about EVERYTHING to. He enjoys pushing objects around a room.
He picks everything up no matter how heavy they are. Josh is eating very well
and tries new things with ease, though he had an issue when I bought him a
new cup/bottle, he kept throwing it away, but now he drinks
from it...lol He still eats his toes from time to time. Josh is very animated during
Veggie Tales movies and smiles often. We are very thankful for his little spirit around here!

Me! Been busy praying, raising three boys, cleaning, getting back into shape for dance
and working toward my certification for Liturgical Dance online with the ILDFA.
This has been awesome, learning the bible is difficult stuff but truly life changing
and I'm glad to report that I passed my first assignments/essays and video submissions
so glad to say!! Started my facebook a/c after much protest about that, but have decided
to use it for edifying purposes ONLY. Well, "I try" to keep it real, honest, interesting,
heartfelt and encouraging. I'm sure you really don't care what I like to drink in the
morning, so I typically use it for those purposes :) Our new church family has been
wonderful. We love it at Victory. The preaching is just on point in every way, the
worship/praise music is just anointed, blessed and breaks down strongholds so
we can worship in a way we've never experienced, its been amazing for us.
Tony and I have also joined a LifeGroup on Wed. nights and its been transforming us
in many ways!

ReVoLuTiOn has been "on hold" as of now but is still in the making. The Lord
has been restoring things in me like JOY and PRAISE that were lost, stolen and
broken. I believe He has been transforming me specifically for this mission field and
I'm waiting on Him and its reaching an exciting climax for future dance events!
Hearts and lives are being shaped for this ministry to unfold and its gonna be worth the
wait! Thanks kindly for your prayers and support along the way~

Well everyone, I hope you enjoyed reading our family/Life updates. We love you and
pray that God would continue to bless your lives.

A Daily Affirmation... Take it from a child :)

2010-08-28T21:58:00.003-04:00

I couldn't resist this awesomeness of this little girl. We can all learn something
from her. Enjoy... don't forget to pause my music below. :)

It's Our 4th Year Wedding Anniversary!

2010-08-26T09:41:00.001-04:00

Thank you Tony for loving me and loving our family so genuinely!

My husband, my love, my friend... I love you. Looking forward to seeing how God will bless our
marriage even more... time to celebrate!

He answered my prayer... abundantly!

2010-08-09T16:06:00.007-04:00

Family, friends and fellow bloggers....

I have the most excellent news to share with you today!
God has a big plan. ReVoLuTiOn is another piece of His divine
plan for this generation that is going to absolutely rock hearts,
minds and bodies. God can use anything or anybody He chooses
for His glory to be revealed, I never gave up hope!

The Revolution has begun...

A Movement Toward Purity

I've been formally notified by the church leadership at
422CHURCH.com that they'd like to entrust me with leadership
in dance and begin holding classes sometime in the near future :) - we still
have to meet to discuss all the possibilities and most likely begin as an
inter-church program eventually expanding into the public for outreach!

On top of this news, the Lord also presented me with 2 other
opportunities to speak/minister publicly at a CAST seminar coming up
in May of 2011. As well as, an opportunity to work with GNPAL center
with youth in Norristown, Pa. My cup truly, runneth over today.

It's time for the winds of change and heaven is opening up
and pouring out blessings to numerous to count. If you have ever doubted
God's power, I am here to testify to His greatness, His timing,
His grace, His mercy, His love...

Did you know our God is also a God of order? Today is 8/9/10
I believe there is no coincidence in the timing, His timing is best!

I serve a big God and wanted you to know it! A God who is ABLE
to do things beyond human comprehension and open doors when you
least expect it and His name is above all names, JESUS.

I'm really speechless right now in so many ways and am so humbled
by this opportunity to be used by God in a big way to help inspire
and lead a generation of dancers and maybe a countless number of souls
who will be witness to these future events. The power of one!

Will you CELEBRATE and REJOICE and CRY with me today?
Thank God for His unfailing love for us and for His amazing
missions and visions He's bestowed upon all.

Stay tuned for more advertisements and news updates along the way.
I'll be seeking people,volunteers to eventually help out in some
way shape or form.

You have all helped to become a part of something bigger than ourselves,
through your support and prayers. I am so grateful!

Mom, Dad and My awesome Husband Tony,
I believe God chose me years ago to do something, just as
He does everyone who'll tap into their faith. But I didn't
have enough faith or courage back then, until I met Him through
an encounter dancing one day back in 2004 and through your support!
My childhood "dream" has changed a bit, but, has become a reality by
God's grace, God's dream instead. Thank you for all of your encouragement
and support throughout my dance adventures!
This is gonna be something, I can't even begin to tell you how
much LOVE is flowing through me right now, LOVE for every soul right now to know
How Great is our God...

He's Walking...

2010-08-07T15:03:00.002-04:00

My little guy, Joshua, has become quite confident lately with some added

praise from his biggest fan, mommy and a little practice,

he's going SOLO.... Finally! Yahoo!

Check him out as he hams up the camera today. Rejoice with us as a new

adventure awaits the Allen family household.

Point "Pleasant" Beach, NJ

2010-08-06T10:35:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's AUGUST! Where does the time go???
Quick Blurb: Spencer has been away on his summer vacation with his dad
and extended families in South Carolina now for almost 2 weeks and I
miss him like crazy. We call each other often of course.
He'll be back home by the 21st. However, he's having a blast
swimming just about every day and I'm so glad he's happy!

Tony and I needed a break from our "everyday life," issues
so we decided to pack a bag, pack the baby and drive!
We spent the majority of the day trip on the road to NJ though,
ran into some construction that just added to our anticipation of
visiting the ocean again... Wow, there was A LOT of traffic,
almost 3 hours worth of sloooooow driving.

In our minds, the ocean was worth the trip though. We just wanted
to see God's majesty of "oceanic bliss" again and get away. There is just
something about the ocean that brings utter peace and refreshment,
When we got down to the beach, it was absolutely crowded... ahhhhhh!

We spent just 2 hours at the beach on the sand with Josh (his first beach trip)
and he loved it for the most part and I've included some photos for
your enjoyment. I think we're gonna go to Sea Isle in the future.

MY HERO AND MY CHERUB

TONY SO SILLY WITH MY LITTLE SCUBA DIVER

MOM, DON'T MAKE ME WALK ON THIS HOT SAND?

TIME TO EAT!

WHERE AM I?

I'M SO LOVING THIS!

YES! A MUCH NEEDED DAY "OFF!"

Taking it "step by step" from Joshua

2010-07-29T14:52:00.001-04:00

My youngest son, Joshua Gabriel now (15 months) is getting

ready to give walking a try! We're almost there everybody :)

I'm so proud of my little guy.

It is the most wonderful thing to hold a little piece of heaven

in my arms every day even when the days are challenging and

the nights exhausting...

every moment with my children teaches me what Love is

all about, just wanted to share that with you today and also

to remind you to hug and play with your children, or someone else's

every chance you get!

My Sister's Wedding Day!

2010-07-19T14:12:00.003-04:00

For those of you who were anxiously awaiting those memorable photos,
here are some for your delight. We had such a fantastic time, everything
was perfect for their special day.

Funny story (well, it is talking about it now:) my sister was so nervous,
she became nauseated and almost fainted (it was almost 100 degrees
on Sat.) in the limo ride over to the church, between nerves, heat and
her gown, we could all understand how she must have felt. Dad, me
(Matron of Honor) and flower girl (Olivia) and jr. groomsman (Spencer)
got the honor of escorting Krystal to the church in a sweet old school
limo a friend of the family surprised us with!

With a little TLC from a handy fan, pretzels, water, intercessory prayer
over her and some added lighthearted encouragement from her bridal
party, she managed to make it right on time to get refreshed and walk
down the aisle to her husband, Ivor and the rest, well, is history!

Waited in purity 25 years for that special day.
They are now enjoying their honeymoon in Florida. Praise God
for this most wonderful occasion of two souls becoming one all for
God's glory! Read their story and see more photos on The Knot:
Krystal & Ivor

I'm so happy for my little sister now, Mrs. Krystal Lynn Griffiths and for
my new brother-in-law, Ivor. Love you both so much!!!

**The photos I've included are random, but marvelous still - while
I work on gathering more of them.
Enjoy.

While I'm Waiting, "Part 2"

2010-07-09T16:07:00.000-04:00

After some time in God's Word and during research on many
dance ministries and its leadership, I've come to a wonderful
discovery/opportunity!

I contacted the director of the International Liturgical Dance Fellowship
Academy in Maryland and have signed up for the 10-month online
curriculum to receive my certification in Liturgical Dance;
something I have not yet attained through all of my years of dance
training. I know that the Lord has put this opportunity in my path
for a reason and I'm acting on it! Likewise, I am VERY EXCITED
about this opportunity to expand my knowledge in the dance ministry
and study both through scripture and through supplied materials of
the program concluding with a certification to add to my expertise,
by the grace of God. I am so thankful for all of this!

I will begin the program next month once my registration is
finalized and materials are received. In the meantime, I'm calling
on you for more prayer support along the way, that God would
provide quiet time and wisdom to study and write my papers during
the day "in between diaper duty" as well as a financial blessing to
help with the cost of the 10-month program.

This has been so fun and invigorating for me to share my journey
with all of you (which is not over by the way), I honestly hope
you've all been encouraged, inspired and blessed by it and through
it. Similarly, I'd love to hear from you, please keep in touch!

Here is my favorite bible verse of all time... especially in a time
like this!

Psalm 71:14-15
"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise
You more and more. My mouth will tell of your
righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though
I know not its measure."

While I'm Waiting...

2010-07-03T20:35:00.010-04:00

It's been one month since I've called on the public, friends and

family for prayer support and presented the vision for

ReVoLuTiOn Dance and Drama Ministry to my church family

to hold classes by September 2010, patiently waiting for a

response...

For those of you who don't know, I sought out my church

family because the Lord laid it on my heart to acquire this

ministry within a Christian environment to edify the current

body of believers building a stronger army of sorts to

eventually go out into our community with this ministry,

which is also a huge part of the vision and mission.

I wanted to give you all some updates along the way

to share some encouragement and blessings with you that

have happened in my life thus far.

Having more time to read and reflect, the Lord has been

gently re-assuring me that He surely does have work that

still needs to be done in and through me, as well as

in the area of dance and in our communities. He has told me

and shown me through His Word, that He will in fact, use me

to bring glory to His kingdom through dance at the proper time,

His time! This knowledge is so exciting to hear - that our lives

have much worth and value on the earth and in heaven!

I'm also enjoying the summer with my awesome children,

who are all growing so quickly, always having smiles and

curiosities that keep me on my toes as well as enjoying

collaboration with my husband in his new endeavors he's

currently seeking for his career.

Although, I would be lying if I told you that I wasn't growing

slightly weary waiting for an answer from the church leaders

I called on to support the ministry, maybe they are seeking

confirmation on the Lord that I would lead this ministry with

them? By the grace of God, I'm staying hopeful through Christ's

strength alone and faithful in my stance to advance The Lord's

kingdom, specifically through dance, this most wonderful gift

bestowed upon me, thirty-two years ago.

I have also experienced some "testing" from the enemy with my

thought-life thinking at times, "I'm not qualified enough" or "I won't

have the zeal to make it last" and "I don't have the resources to put

it together" and have even thought, "people may misconstrue

my passion and love for Christ as selfish ambition"...

On that note, I believe your prayers have helped sustain me.

I'm glad to share that the Lord has come to my rescue again and

has assured me that He has already overcome the enemy and not to

believe the "father of lies"!

Truly, a period of testing for me and it's only been

ONE MONTH...lol! Gee, I hope the Lord doesn't make me wait

for eighty years... though, I guess He could? Yikes.

My heart cry has been, "While I'm waiting, I will serve You Lord"

in whatever way you see fit.

Clearly there is work to do in me and I'm quite alright

with that, as I want to be useful to God :)

Meanwhile, I will continue studying to show myself approved

in whatever ways I realistically can and exercise my body as well

as my mind for future ministry as the Lord declares to us all;

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give

you hope and a future.

Thank you all so much for your prayers because when prayers

go up, blessings come down! Keep them coming...

If anyone would like to contact me or research

ReVoLuTiOn to donate or support in any other way,

please visit: www.revolutiondanceministry.com or

email: nichole@revolutiondanceministry.com

Prayer Outreach for Dance Ministry

2010-06-02T09:45:00.013-04:00

CALLING ALL BELIEVERS OF JESUS CHRIST,

FELLOW BLOGGERS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

I need your PRAYERS & SUPPORT

for an amazing mission...

Back in 2004, I answered the Lord's call to help change the

face of dance today and bring it back to its holy place it

was designed for. As you can see in our dance culture today,

there is still much work that needs to be done.

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few

in this genre and so, we need you!

The priority of this mission is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ

and manifest His spirit inside the heart of each dancer that will

ultimately bring about modest/holy behaviors through dance,

which has also been a major challenge competing with today's

popularity of secular music and inappropriate

dance movement that is negatively invading our culture as we speak.

My life has been burdened with this call to help my fellow sisters

trapped in this influence that is saturating young hearts and minds

and is now my responcibility to expose what God has done in and

through my life. Similarly, we want to breakthrough barriers that

have been holding "the church" hostage for so long and break out

into our culture with God's messages through movement, this art

form can physically penetrate hearts and minds through emotions

that have kept hearts hardened for so long, and bring transformation

to those watching without even suspecting it. It's the most amazing

thing when you've experienced it!

Similarly, my life has since gone through many changes/transitions

from that very first call or awakening as I refer to it as.

After I lost my job three years ago and not sure where to go,

the Lord kept after my heart and I kept after His, spending much

time in solitude and prayer. While I've been waiting,

God has been at work!

Also, after having my second son, Joshua,

another blessing, I knew it was important to stay home and care

for my little guy and was an easy decision to do so.

It's been a wonderful yet transitional year full of laughter,

tears, temporary bouts of depressive attitudes,

emotional battles, excitement, faith-testing and much growth

in spiritual maturity, though still learning as I go...

I'm so happy to say that, the TIME HAS COME again and the

Lord is renewing me and reviving my spirit to

pick this mission back up and share it with those around me once

more, quite possibly, for the rest of my days... it's always been

a part of me and where my passions are.

Likewise, I'm eager to bring the good news through this gift of

dance and drama again with people who need a personal revival;

for those that know they need one and even for those of whom that

don't even see it coming! It's to bring a societal AWAKENING in

the genre of dance!

The spirit of God is so powerful this season, this year and I'm

calling on you to be my faithful team of prayer warriors

fully supporting this awesome mission field!

Here is some background on the new movement the Lord has

been working in me, if you have any resources to support in

any way shape or form, please email me: Check it out here:

http://www.wix.com/NALLEN2010/ReVoLuTiOn-Dance-Ministry

On the flip side, we must also be very aware of the strong spiritual

foe/force opposing this mission to bring dance back to its holy place

and is the main reason that I desperately need your support.

Having experienced many times of discouragement, a defeated spirit,

and doubt to move forward in this call, I need prayers for not only me,

but for the ladies who will join me or who have experienced this call

to unite for this common goal.

At times, excuses arise not to proceed because of laziness, disinterest,

discouragement or not finding time to put energy and influence

to begin this mission et c. The secular/entertainment industry

also opposes this type of dance style and brings about controversy

because of the mention of God and sadly, belittling

attitudes can happen that can destroy a Worship dancers testimony.

Therefore, because of the warrior heart within me, I have

readily taken on this holy assignment from God and

humbly go before the throne of God and before you reader,

urgently requesting the prayers of the saints, the faithful,

around our city and beyond for the following: I'm asking
BIG and SPECIFIC because with God ALL things are
possible!

To strike down the enemy and his plans/demons who or

what might seek to destroy this testimony within me and

others giving sincere praises to our Holy God, Jesus!

A location to host dance classes/concerts - rent free and/or
a dance home/our own studio!

Dancers to rise among us who have the same call, who can

minister along with me to effectively manifest God's spirit

among the community of souls who need God's grace and

mercy on their lives.

A faithfully committed financial support team for this

mission to build along side with me, a future dance
ministry organization/non profit

Talented people with diverse skills to help organize
all those details, marketing, advertisement et c...

Trustworthy, faithful, committed people to assist in

building this non-profit with me.

An overflow of God's spirit and wisdom to pour out
over this most challenging mission field ahead of
me/us.

I can't do this alone, we can't do this alone!

I believe we are all called to bring the Gospel to our neighbors

somehow and this is the way the Lord has awakened my spirit to

bring forth His power to transform hearts and lives!

WOW! My son just walked into the room as I write this to you,

with an envelope boldly stamped upon it, saying:

"God will use you mightily" from the

Voice of the Martyrs subscription. This message is no coincidence

and I'm joyful to share this news with you today!

Will you help me light the fire again and join me?

We are starting a prayer chain of sorts, so forward

my blog news to everyone you know and send me an

email or comment to let me know you are praying or

supporting in some way or another as we see the spirit

of God move and where He's headed to bring His glory

through this powerfully provoking art form.

I'm keeping this post up until I get a Word from the Lord

about my next move or miraculously hear from someone

who can help to see where we're headed.

This is a public test of faith that I'd like to share because

I believe in the Power of God and believe He will work in and

through His people.

Funny Photo of the Day!

2010-06-01T18:25:00.004-04:00

Get this green stuff off of my hands already, I'm

trying to play with the ball!

"People Sensitivities" Do you have it?

2010-05-26T09:57:00.008-04:00

In other words, HUMILITY and COMPASSION

Do you have them within?

I've been thinking about this subject for quite a while now

and finally have the gumption to talk about it because

I think it is absolutely necessary to have certain sensitivities

to live life as a Christian and becoming a true friend (bearing

in one another's burdens), frankly, just as a human being.

Loving your neighbor as yourself, or so the Bible says...

Being faced with many people of different backgrounds,

races, ethnicities, gender (aka: men vs. women)

even close friends and family throughout my own life,

I know how difficult it can be to sometimes "relate" to

others. You know, truly understand where they may be

coming from or giving grace and having a patient heart

even just to listen or offer a word of encouragement to

another person if need be, why is this practice so difficult?

God calls us to this practice quite often, and we can fail

miserably at times!

Therefore, I want to challenge you throughout this post

to work on your own people sensitivities as I am and

see God work miracles in and through your life, will

you join me?

I say this with an urgency, because I've been that "insensitive"

person at times in my own life as well as a "victim" of sorts

to this insensitivity and know first hand how detrimental it

can be to our hearts and minds which can sometimes lead to

a destructive thought life or negative view of ourselves and others

which leads to ultimate judgement from God himself, and

makes us down right "ugly".

Here are a few examples of insensitivity's that take place

in our lives:

Debt/Money woes between friends, neighbors or family

Lifestyles - poor vs. rich

Belief systems, different faiths, different "gods"

Parenting styles vs. Children's "rights"

Gender roles - male vs. female - husband vs. wife

Those are very specific times when insensitive words

or actions can come about, or slander takes place between

neighbors, people turning against people - no one

helping one another all for selfish reasons, you get my

drift here.

If we could just put ourselves in the shoes of others from

time to time and see through the eyes of our Great God,

then just maybe there is hope for our society and

neighborhoods. Healing can then take place, positive

action/change can happen in lives from within

and outwardly. If we can grasp the concept that Jesus

spoke so often about, "Loving your neighbor as yourself"

and bearing in one another's burden's then God may

heal broken lives, provide blessings upon blessings

to those who have lost their careers, house, whatever

the situations may be.

It seems as though, we can hold these personal grudges

against those who we "think" have done us "wrong", not

knowing the true stories behind the issues/pain because

we don't care to reach out and assist one another or believe

the best in the person. Have we become so vain to think

the world owes us favors? Sadly, much of what I speak of

revolves around money more-often than not. This is

dangerous because it corrupts even

"good people's" hearts and lives.

Will you share your wealth with someone in need?

Will you open your house to those without a home?

Will you extend a helping hand when asked?

Will you pray for those around you?

Will you be a blessing to someone else even if

they don't deserve it?

These are truly testing situations for us all, but a

convicting truth nonetheless.

Let us begin to listen to the needs of those around us

more often and actively HELP (as a reminder,

we were not put on this earth for our own pleasures)

we were meant to be in fellowship with one another

and God period. Instead of focusing so much of our lives

around ourselves, how vain is that first of all?

If this sounds like something you're doing or have done,

God can fix what has been broken, heal what needs healing and

open your heart to those around that desperately need

your love, compassion, encouragement or second chances.

Let's keep our eyes and ears open to the people in our

lives who God may very well be using to test your faith

to work a miracle in someone's life who is crying out for one.

Lord of heaven, My Father...

Will you humble my heart today and use me in a way

that will bless someone else. It is an honor to serve You.

Help me to trust in You and believe the best in others.

Amen.

Bridal Shower Photos!!!

2010-05-24T08:31:00.011-04:00

Oh, what fun this was...

On Sat. May 22 we surprised my sister

with a bridal shower.

The Honoree was my little sister, Krystal.

In this photo, we quickly snatched her up

with a blindfold and led her to the Shower of

fun ahead!

Here are the gals of the bridal party (bridesmaids &

our niece, Olivia the flower girl), sporting the purple

shirts deliberately displaying, "TEAM KRIVOR"

Short for Krystal and Ivor (her fiancee)

I'll save some time by skipping all of the photos of her

opening gifts... here's the "after party" hat, isn't she

lovely? So in love!

Some crafty activities for the scrapbook we made for her

during the shower while she was opening gifts,

well, we had the guests handle this part. A fun idea for

a keepsake!

The added nice touch of "Delicious Tea" for favors, her favorite

past time, just like me!

The "memory table" of childhood photos, guest book

and the cake - to keep the sentimental side of the day too.

Stay tuned for the... WEDDING PHOTOS!!!

coming, July 17th 2010

Got Fruit?

2010-05-20T11:39:00.002-04:00

It seems as though this month I'm highlighting so many videos,
but I think they get the messages across perfectly. Here's
another good one.

I thought this video was well done and extremely spiritually creative!
Enjoy... gotta love the kiddos!

Is Your Church Like Starbucks?

2010-05-18T10:14:00.010-04:00

"Java-leluia" was admittedly appropriate

for this video.

I had a long post about this one...

However, I chose to let my words be few.

This approach is sad and spiritually dangerous.

Do we see the irresponsibility in this?

I hope so.

Waiting On God

2010-05-14T11:08:00.011-04:00

You'll get a kick out of this video. You must watch this first,

before you read my post to put some things in perspective.

Enjoy...

Did you get a good laugh?

Well I did too. It doesn't take a lot of brain

science to figure out the moral of this story does it?

I just had to share this video because, if we're

being honest with ourselves, how often do we find

ourselves exactly thinking or even acting just like that guy?

I don't know about you, but, waiting or worse, being LATE,

just grate on my nerves! Shamefully, I really can't stand it!

Please PRAY for me concerning these things... :)

I just wanna get things done "my way" and on "my time"

because time is a wasting right, life is short, let's get a

move on people!?!

I've included a list of a few places and specific situations below,

where I find myself "impatiently" waiting on something(s) that can

surely be most difficult for me to endure, you might agree to some?

Waiting...

In line at a grocery store and there's a "problem" at the counter

Payday seems so far away

A doctor's office waiting room, then waiting for the doctor to arrive

IN the room at times, about an 1/2 to an hour later.

At an intersection and no one is moving

At a STOP sign and no other cars are around

Your food order at a restaurant, 15 mins. is long enough :)

In long lines at a concert/event

Driving behind a very sloooooooow driver, you know the ones!

Reading a looooong blog post, you know who... lol

For tests results

In line at a "fast food" drive-thru, yeah right?

To use the public restroom

Listening to a boring speaker

For the mail to arrive

Helping someone learn something new and just doesn't get it!

Commercials, when you're watching your favorite show

On my spouse to figure me out already

On my children to obey what they've been taught

For a new friendship to bloom more quickly

On everyone else to treat me nicely and tell me what I want to hear

For the rain to go away or worse, snow to melt

For hot seasons, summertime

On a "specific" prayer to be answered

On a demanding boss, spouse or child

On a long answering machine message

On the phone listening to a robot offer you never-ending options

Do you feel my pain... lol

I would say those are on top of my "are you kidding me,

not again" list! However, I would also suggest that these

pathetic excuses that "bother me" are very menial in the scheme

of things. Though, they might set us off momentarily,

they are obviously temporary and not so major enough to lose

our faith and sanity over, sadly, it has been for me at times.

There is no doubt that I've been tested quite often in these areas,

come to think of it, every one of those situations!

I sometimes say, "God has quite the sense of humor"

understanding now more than ever that, He is my teacher

and it is for my own good that I endure all that He has put in

my path and overcome it with faith, sometimes,

"Waiting on God"

Where am I going with all of this, well,

I wanted to express how much God is still needed in my life

and to encourage you with this....

Even through conversion as a believer of Jesus Christ,

walking with Him in the daily battle field - we often times put

so much pressure on ourselves to be just right, act just right, say

the right things, be timely, live as holy as we can.

Note however, we should be doing those things

because our God, the creator of the universe, is SO

worthy of doing those things.

The bigger picture shows, that I've found total freedom

in waiting on God through enduring faith by tapping into

that well more often. Our sin nature is overwhelming

sometimes, but God's Holy Spirit is there to nudge us through,

if we'll stop and take the time to listen to that voice.

Pursuing the right actions and then acting on them, takes more of

God and less of "us" - that's what conscience is.

My faith has me always turning back God, leaning

on Him when I can't humanly handle the things

surrounding me or my life. I'm so thankful to God for this

grace and for the humility it takes to see this. Praise Him. :)

He (Jesus) is most important and all of those "little" things I've listed,

and can certainly be managed with an added dose of faith and

trust in God, knowing that He has it all under control and that

there are bigger reasons why we must wait at times.

Even more revealing to me, they have been or could have been,

opportunities to bring others to Christ. Time to Pray instead of

(curse under our breath). Times of rejuvenation. Times of offering

forgiveness. Times of seeing things from your neighbor's perspectives.

Time to be alone with God. Times of bringing grace to others.

Times to heal your soul. Times to build your own character.

Times to just to "laugh it off" and start a new friendship with someone.

Times of persevering. Time to see through the eyes of God.

I strongly believe that we all are being, constantly perfected for

His holiness for the time when we will meet our beautiful Savior

face to face. Until then, we are being "tried by many fires" -

will you burn in it or will you shine through it?

My conclusion, our God in heaven is much bigger than our

little inconveniences we may wrestle with.

If God has brought us to it, be assured, He can bring us through it!

Have a great weekend everybody! Love & Hugs, Nichole

Choices?

2010-05-11T08:43:00.019-04:00

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil

is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

This is a long/informative post and I really hope you're up

to it!

This particular video highlights the devastating statistics

about ABORTION and is an upcoming movie called:

"Blood Money" - which I think is worth seeing.

However, my writings today/views are

approaching this topic more deeply, from another aspect

it appears we are all missing and not addressing.

Another passion of mine is protecting innocence/girls and teaching

them about modesty and saving themselves until marriage -

something, sadly, I did not do as a young woman years ago before

I came to know my Savior, Jesus and I'm so thankful I did before

it was too late. Some girls and women today, do not get the

chance I did (of which could have been me), some die young,

some continue to lead immoral lives, some haven't got the courage

to know how or even want to get out of it, so they keep doing it and

potentially lose their health and souls for all eternity for this one,

most costly mistake.

Those closest to me have known about my own

personal story and the things I've done and how the

Lord of heaven saved my life from ultimate destruction.

Praise God, seriously! So HAPPY to say,

that I was predestined to give God

glory and praise through my story and my choice to

ask and accept God's forgiveness and that His grace

has set me free to be used by Him. He chose me

(like he does with others and can do for you!)

to do this through my womanhood, motherhood

and Worship dance today, I so joyfully testify!

This is why I LOVE my Lord, Jesus! He saved me

from myself and continues to this very day.

For those of you who don't know my "whole" story,

it would be my responsibility to share with you too -

however, its quite a long one and involves much more

than immorality choices, although, I want to mostly talk

about how we can SAVE today's girls and women around

our own neighborhoods and within churches too, from this deadly,

costly behavior... don't think for a

second just because they may attend church, that their hearts are

always "right". Sadly, more often

than not, our children need more proper attention and

discipline on the home-front - especially those of Christian households,

who are constantly under pressure to live holy. This is another

one of Satan's playgrounds. He's after them the most,

to get our Christian kids to fall away from the faith any

way he can, this would be a huge victory for him to succeed.

Obviously, we don't want that. And committing the sin

of the body through immorality is quite a deep spiritual

issue, so let's listen up!

SERIOUS WARNINGS FROM SCRIPTURE ABOUT

DEEDS COMMITTED AGAINST THE BODY:

1 Corinthians 6:18-20) 18 Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin that a man does is

outside the body,” but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
19 Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you,

which you have from God? You are not your own,
20 for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in

your spirit, which are God’s.

(Galatians 5:21) 21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like

these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who

practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

(Ephesians 5:3-5) 3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness,

let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints;
4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate;

but rather giving of thanks.
5 Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor

covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.

(Hebrews 13:4) 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled:

but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

Similarly, it appears that because of such sins as those

listed above, brings this particular hot topic of Abortion

up. This has me really fired up!

What are we doing? This option was born out of pure

evil and should not even be an option to erase our sexual

mistakes? God put that baby inside of the womb for a higher

holy purpose, our humans minds cannot fathom the "whys" especially

in cases such as rape, incest or adultery, but, that

child has a purpose! Sometimes, the child is a consequence

of the mother's sins or even the father's sins, but, still a precious

gift nonetheless. It's just plain selfish, not to mention the fact

of the evil it takes to end a life.

For those who may have already had abortions, (just like

any-other sins committed in our lives) there is

forgiveness, mercy and grace through God, however, you must

flee from all sexual activity (if you are not married) and be washed

in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus. Pray and ask God to forgive

you and humble yourself before Him, then repent of your sins,

to become saved.

Most Important part of accepting Jesus into your heart,

You MUST, turn and Repent from your lack of self control

Only He can transform you! That child is in God's hands

no doubt, but you must be spiritually cleansed from within.

Food for thought:

Has anyone ever realized that if you change the "b" and "r" in

Abortion, to a "d" and "p"- what does it spell? ADOPTION.

But, more importantly... let's attack the true issue before it even

gets to this sad "option" of killing the unborn.

Do we realize how often this is taking place right

under our noses? An area near my home, Norristown,

at so-called "Planned Parenthood" does this regularly, aside from

the fact that they also give out FREE birth control without

consent of parents if under age 18, yes, parents, its TRUE. I've

gone "undercover" a couple years ago (and know some who've

gone through with it) to see this for myself.

It's sad and quite frankly, devastating to know that young

girls are seeking this as a real, sometimes "only" option?

There is human trafficking taking place there too... unbelievable

horrible crimes taking place people, what have we done, more

importantly what have we allowed? I say, we give "tolerance"

the boot!

The things I speak about below are with love and warning

coming straight from personal experience.

To Ponder before you read any further:

All Truth and No Love is Brutality

All Love and No Truth is Hypocrisy

Mothers, what have we done? Not to put complete guilt on you,

but, you have a key role in this too, and much so the Fathers.

This message goes eagerly out to moms/dads everywhere AND

teachers AND older women among the young, this includes me.

Where are the godly examples of womanhood? We've given

ourselves over to the pull of our culture instead of dignity.

We've also stopped praying I believe for their souls, this is

a HUGE problem!

Satan is everywhere, in fashion, music,

radio, print/ads and television folks, wake up. Your

daughters are looking and seeking after it, because it's

in their faces 24/7! Where is God? He's waiting to be

taken off of our bookcases and out of our church doors and

into the battle field we call, life.

Since I've seen first hand the damage this causes in young lives,

making them myself (glad to say, not abortion) but very unwise

sexually immoral choices in my previous life, of which I will be judged

for, thankfully no longer condemned as I'm saved by grace!

However, I can't help but think about the

real reasons behind these choices in our society at such

younger ages. Good gracious. Look around.

Pray for their little souls. After checking my own

reasoning... good Lord we sometimes have no idea how much we need

our Savior! He has to break our spirit before He can even do

the real work in us... its a convicting truth and sometimes does

lead to destruction before restoration of our lives - if we're even

given that chance. But there are things we should and could

be doing to help stifle the problem here.

Why do young girls and older women alike, think they need to

have sex and give all of themselves to another person, so someone

will pay attention to them and feel pretty or important to someone,

is so sad, but, its their reasoning at times.

Now, me being very girly myself, there are times of dressing up

femininely with complimenting make-up and outfits, however,

I'm talking about the excessive use of our feminine prowess!

The eye-glancing, "luring" seducing nature behind all immoral behaviors,

bring attention to ourselves - this is straight from the gates of hell.

When females walk into these risky behaviors, they are not even

understanding the magnitude of the lifetime of emotional,

physical and spiritual problems this one choice will do to them.

Lord, I know how tough it can be.

It's admittedly, a very deep spiritual need that needs to be filled,

filled with the Lord, not our selfish choices.

We see all over the globe and news about people fighting for

Pro-choice AND Pro-life, but, I'm wondering if anybody out here

like me has been more concerned about the reasons WHY they

are making these decisions, where their hearts and minds are about

themselves, isn't that where we should all be looking at first?

Have you ever asked your daughter why she dresses like

her favorite star? Moms, I hope you're not condoning

this behavior, its NOT innocent. It's another one of the enemy's

strategy to take her away from God, believe me.

Have you ever asked her why

she seeks out older men? Where are the Dad's?

Have you ever paid close attention

to her needs at home? Have you ever talked to her about her

VALUE and WORTH before the Lord without making her feel

like she's in trouble?

You see, much of our example has a lot

to do with her future decisions, not all of it.... sometimes,

it is solely their choice alone and they compromise themselves

for selfish reasons and bring themselves devastation.

Not totally blaming mothers, however, it does begin in the home,

doesn't it? I also think Trust has a lot to do with it also. If your child

doesn't trust you as a parent, then they assume they know what

they are doing, this is most dangerous.

Also, this is a biggie moms, Dance Instructors (yes, I'm throwing

them under the bus) I am a transformed one though.... are

totally guilty of manipulating you and your youngsters into

looking like the latest pop-stars of society because

its what is "in" today.... here's what I have to say about that,

IT'S A COP OUT of true originality. CARELESS use of authority

training up little minds!

They are dressing them up like, Hookers moms! Take another

look. Why aren't we holding anyone

accountable for this? Nudge their instructors,

get them to re-think their costume choices and music

choices, PLEASE, I'm pleading the blood of Christ

over all of this atrocity taking place. It's not innocent,

I've experienced this as a child - it's immoral. It's confusing

and leads to no where but selfish vanities and seeking

pleasures first instead of purity choices period.

I assure you of this!

Please get convicted over this topic today.

This is a complete disgrace of who God made us to be.

Thank You Lord Jesus for saving me from this destructive behavior.

So, without me sounded off too much about that, I wanted to share

these topics with everyone so you could PRAY for the women BEFORE

they walk into these Planned Parenthood places or wherever

else seeking so called help from the wrong places, instead of

seeking out the Lord, church members, mothers, sisters, friends

who will FINALLY stand up and say, You have value and worth, stop

throwing yourself at men for all the wrong reasons. God

help us, its taking place everywhere.

We're putting on the pressure to our boys and husbands

to remain pure in this sultry forecast of life we see so often.

We need to stop putting it in their faces!

Lord we need more courage to say No to this stuff!

Here's what we CAN do!

This IS where the influences began with me.

PARENTS, stay in charge of your children's MEDIA

choices. VIDEO GAMES. TV. RADIO. FILM.

Throw away any "unwholesome" movies, you know the ones.

No exceptions. You must. If you have a tough time

fulfilling this instruction, it's because this is how

dangerously far our world has become. Might shed new light

on this subject.

Stop leaving your child alone. Satan attacks during

times of weakness and isolation often.

Be sure to get them engaged in Christian activities,

focusing on education, encouraging their gifts/skills,

giving them godly outlets to pursue.

Do some research with your child to find

those places, though, not popular, they do exist.

PRAY first and foremost - add this topic to your list please -

if we don't, it becomes the norm in society and our boys

are in BIG trouble to stay pure moms!

Be an EXAMPLE yourself. Check your dress, your heart first -

why are you dressing the way you are?

Share the Lord with them, talk about His grace He offers so

readily for those who've made mistakes, don't shun them away,

like I've found, there IS HOPE! God is mightier than we.

Lastly, ALWAYS be available to your daughters moms

AND Dads especially, don't just put FEAR

in them, explain what happens to their bodies, emotions

and ultimately their lives if they make these unwise choices -

God has a better plan for them! Assure them of this right

away with excitement and trust. Help them learn true

beauty by providing compassionate love to them on a

constant basis. This begins with true loving your spouse

first!

Assure yourself and them, that God is there to FORGIVE,

but never to give "license" to practice sin over and over.

Dear Lord, may there be a revival of women stepping up

to say NO to sex at an early age, even in adulthood and

singleness - until they are ready to say I DO to one man

who loves the Lord and who will wait for them -

this is so important too.

If we haven't already figured it out, this is solely why we have the

abortion problem like we do - because we've been careless

with our daughters, sisters, students and girl-friends.

Let us get to their HEARTS FIRST. Then they won't want to

dress provocatively, leading to... unwise choices, and contemplating

killing their unborn child. Our boys have a part to play in this too...

I'll chat about that soon too.

But ladies desperately need to hear and see constantly that

God made them just the way they are for His holy purpose and that

they are more beautiful being a godly modest woman first. Churches,

please open up doors of ministry to this subject, I plead with you!

LORD HELP US BE THE EXAMPLE SO NEEDED TODAY.

SAVE THEM. Amen.

The Bridge Short Movie

2010-05-10T10:52:00.005-04:00

Hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day weekend! I sure did.

Now, back to God who is MOST worthy to talk about!
Has anyone ever seen this most provoking video/movie?
For the love of all that is Holy people, stop sinning! Forgive me,
as I don't prefer to mince words, however, I want this message to be
loud and clear about how much we need our Savior Jesus Christ,
the only God who saves! Look what He has done for us!
{Quick Blurb: The image portrayed as a young boy
clearly makes for a "tear jerker" just naturally, though, it was
in that moment of hesitation the father had in thinking
about the other souls upon the train that is the whole point as
I'm sure you understand now having seen it}

At first, I was just so upset at the fact he didn't go running
after his child, (he was perplexed with a BIG TIME decision)
honestly, I don't think I could have done that to my child, could you?
God did this and does this, he made us, crafted us for His workmanship,
He takes care of us if even through tragedies, one's that might
destroy the body.... its the soul that truly matters folks.
Visit - Matt. 10:28 in your Bible.

However, getting to the point of this much
deeper message of the short film, is that because of the sin Adam and
Eve committed, (which we all bare their shame today as sinners)
you see, is why Jesus was sent in the first place. He HAD to die for us,
because of God's GREAT LOVE for us, there must be a an atonement
for our sins, to be fully redeemed by the Almighty and it WAS
accomplished ONLY through Jesus's blood.

For those who've been washed in the blood and know that your sins
are forgiven, continue to respond with the Holy Spirit leading you,
just because you are Forgiven, does not give us the right to keep
on sinning without a conscience (if you are saved, you'll have more
fear of the Lord than continuing to sin).

It's quite obvious, this short movie depicts the
seriousness involved and how sometimes unaware we are to
the supernatural, spiritual battle that rages around us day to day.

Let's keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, no longer on ourselves -
similarly, people need people to reach out, speak up, someone
to love them enough you know what I'm saying...
It's true, its most difficult and we will fall short from time to time,
however, God sent His Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and life
to help make godly wise decisions, everyone of us has a daily choice.

Let's never forget about this sacrifice or take it for granted.
Please send this to all of your friends and family as a reminder
of what was done for them. Life gets in the way, have you let it
distract you too? Come to the Lord, He is waiting!

Lord, I pray that this video may release a cleansing flood
of emotion and fear into those encountering its contents
to realize the truth and bigger picture this involves.
You are good, holy and just to forgive us because of Your
Son's sacrifice for OUR sins. Thank You Jesus for dying
and rising again so that we can live eternally with you
today and always.

My heart has been burdened to share this with you today.
Amen.

What an EXCITING day it is!

2010-05-06T08:56:00.004-04:00

Join thousands of Christians today to PRAY

for our nation... Thank You Lord Jesus, for loving us

with an everlasting love, for creating us so we could be

in fellowship with You today and always!

What a remarkable thing this is folks, people

are uniting their hearts and minds praying

for needs, interceding on behalf of our leaders,

giving thanks, offering up prayers

for the oppressed across the globe and so on...

Let us remember to do this not only today,

but EVERYDAY.

Live webcast this morning until NOON today!

http://nationaldayofprayer.org/live

Some events happening today in Pa:

Montgomery County Courthouse,

Victory Christian Fellowship

12:00-12:30 - Praying on the front steps, join us!

God bless brothers and sisters!!!

Surrendering it all...

2010-05-04T14:41:00.011-04:00

Hi everyone, its been a couple of weeks, I've been

on sabbatical for my life :) So, pull up a chair, its a

long one, but I believe we'll all reap a harvest afterwards!

Funny thing, well, not really. Notice how all of our currency

has the words, "In God We Trust" boldly stamped on it...

Can we honestly say, we're trusting God? Or worse, are we

ignoring these words? Particularly with regard to income,

expenses, savings and other forms

of finances.

I truly find it as no coincidence that these specific words are

stamped upon the world's money! Stay with me here...

This is a touchy subject for most, and even for me, as my husband

and I continue to have our share of financial snags and financial

turmoil at times, leading to out of control debt and almost a

bondage effect, leaving little for us to make payments "on time" -

can you relate? maybe, maybe not... even with budgeting,

one check, every other week, goes too quickly in these

financial times for sure!

I wanted to write about this subject today, because it affects

everyone of us and I'm in a battle myself about this fragile

matter that sadly, holds many of us hostage.

KEY SCRIPTURE VERSE:

Ecclesiastes 5:10

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever

loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.

This too is meaningless.

Currently, we are in a position in our lives where God is testing us in the

fire specifically in (this area), a true test of our faith for sure!

He's finding out what we are really made of? As a stay at home mom,

I do not have a steady "income" if at all most of the time these days,

although, my husband is working every day to

support us and provide for us as best as he can, of which, I am so

thankful for this man. However, it seems as though our living expenses

by far, exceed our current income "crisis" - This is why I bring up

the topic of "Surrendering It All" - its completely where I am today

and I know God is fashioning for me a finer character and patient

endurance to reach the prize at the end of my life.

Is there really any-other way to know God? I thought about seeking

outside employment, which is what I am presently doing, however,

from my experience in working very diligently and still losing jobs,

never finding the "right" job, it appears to me, no matter what avenue

I or we decide or think we're qualified for, its ALWAYS the Lord's work

and His will that stands folks, even if it means, suffering for God's glory,

YES, suffering at times, which is the hardest thing to do for His

kingdom in our lives, but at times, very necessary (see below and

be encouraged if you're in a similar trial or possibly a

consequence of your sin?).

DID YOU KNOW?

We suffer as a testimony, as a witness(2 Tim 2:8-10; 2 Cor. 4:12-13; 1 Pet. 3:13-17).

We suffer to develop our capacity and sympathy in comforting others (2 Cor. 1:3-5

We suffer to keep down pride (2 Cor. 12:7).

We suffer to bring about continued dependence on the grace and power of God.

(2 Cor. 11:24-32; 12:7-10;Eph. 6:10f; Ex. 17:8f).

We suffer to manifest the life and character of Christ (The Fruit of the Spirit)

(2 Cor.4:8-11; Phil. 1:19f)

We suffer to manifest the evil nature of evil men and the righteousness

of the justice of God when it falls in judgment (1 Thess. 2:14-16)

We suffer to broaden our ministries (cf. Philippians 1:12-14 with 4:5-9).

After reading that, I think its' obvious to see that God wants and

desires for us to TRUST IN HIM.... FIRST -

Lord as I speak about this, help me to also live it!

The stamp on the currency is a

reminder I believe - but we so often overlook this important key

in our lives.

KEY SCRIPTURE VERSE:

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from the love of money, and be

content with what you have.

If it is His will for our family (in my case), I may find work outside

the home to help supplement income, learn new things -

spread the love of Christ this way again, though,

not expected of me (to work outside the home that is) as a woman,

wife and mother (especially given the high call to motherhood) that

is the most desired place of position and most blessed, according to

scripture, and should be where we find the most contentment,

I realize there are some special exceptions to this rule,

with single mothers for example, but, even then,

as this ladies IS in fact what we were designed for, marriage and

preparing a home with children. But the worldly, societal pull of the

culture believes otherwise. Lord, forgive us for not believing in Your

perfect Will for our lives at times and making it about us.

However, it becomes increasingly difficult to fully trust when

you're faced with a trial like this, would you agree?

We are human after all, always in need of a Savior

who is always awaiting our humility to set us FREE

from debt and other problems we're facing.

Money it seems, is always in demand - but as sure as

it arrives, it goes quickly too. It's needed to feed, clothe,

provide shelter, giving etc... or do we have it all wrong and

just working in our own flesh to control "our" own worlds?

Another sensitive topic might include, "tithing" our

earnings. We are learning by faith through tithing these

days and every day ahead is to truly test the Lord and see if

He won't provide for us... not solely to "get something back"

but to be faithful and obedient to His word period.

I'm happy to report, the Lord provides a way when

there is absolutely nothing in our pockets, you'll be

amazed! It ALL belongs to

Him anyway (see bible for more verses on this topic too)

VERSES ABOUT GOD MEETING OUR NEEDS

Matthew 7:11

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is

good to those who ask Him!

My life can testify to the truth of this verse!

Matthew 6:31-32
Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat ' or 'What will we drink '

or What will we wear for clothing ' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all

these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

So then, let's try to plan our financial forecast of past due,

bill payments and our gift giving with God in mind more

often,

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT PLANNING

Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone

who is hasty comes surely to poverty.

Luke 14:28-30
For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower,

does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he

has enough to complete it "Otherwise, when he has laid a

foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin

to ridicule him, saying, 'This man began to

build and was not able to finish. '"

Finally, I've come to the conclusion that I must

surrender all of my possessions, money, talents,

skills, children, husband etc... to the Lord, for He

knows everything about me and what my future is

as well as my families future. Lord help me to be

a stronger example of your grace to begin again

take your words to heart to make necessary changes

in my decision making.

May I boldly confess my sin of the need to control

my circumstances and those around me, jobs etc. before

the Lord more often so He can shine His truth and wisdom

on my life and family so I can bless others, even if it is

forever with limited financial means... for I am truly blessed

and the most wealthy of all persons, just Knowing the Lord

and following after Him alone!

LET'S REMEMBER...

Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates

day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which

yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

I wonder if...

2010-04-19T09:55:00.016-04:00

they know we're praying for them in love, out of respect,

for their souls, safety, health, salvation, God's wisdom,

and the list goes on?

(Keep praying for Mr. President Obama and those in

government anyway!) As Jesus himself said, as we nailed Him

to the cross, He PRAYED for us anyway...

"Father, Forgive them, for they do not know what they

are doing." Luke 23 :34

Everything GOOD comes about through PRAYER, and quite

frankly, only through active prayer with a compassionate

heart for people, just like Jesus!

So what if we "Christians" want a day of prayer recognized -

is it really that offensive?? There are SO MANY other things

to be offensive about... believe me!

Prayer is personal yes, but gathering together

shows humility (we can't govern properly

without the Almighty's help), a need for each other, a collective

body of souls uniting for the power of the Lord, a oneness

as we join forces with all different races to pray to the Lord

for whatever our needs are, or simply to give Thanks for this

freedom (that it is)

"Where 2 or 3 are assembled in My name,

I am there among them" (Matt.18-20)

This is a blessing folks!

My Opinion here:

This news is only to bring about controversy, because

America loves it... we thrive on this stuff and Obama just

does everything OPPOSITE of our history because he's the

change we wanted right?

Well... we got it! We all had an opportunity to Vote remember?

Completely, not surprising to me at all.

The world as we know it has been

trying to keep God out of "our secular ways"/selfish desires, for a very

long time - just look around at all of our problems, national,

international woes, moral decline, killing babies and the list goes on...

do we really wonder why?

This is a spiritual GREED/PRIDE battle, and it always has been.

However, the GOOD NEWS is that the Lord of heaven, Jesus Christ -

no matter what man made intentions "try" to do,

Has it all under control.

Satan is the God of "this age" now (because God

has allowed it - by our hands pushing God away),

but his days are numbered (YAHOO), like the rest of us.

JESUS IS KING and we will ALL bow to Him someday,

for it is written - Phil 2:9-11

Also, death (the debt every man(woman) pays), shows that we are not

immortal beings (therefore, needing a Savior),

like we sometimes live. We are all born in sin,

JESUS PAVED THE WAY for us on that note!

JESUS did just that and conquered death so we could

live eternally WITH HIM! How could you want anything less?

We will all give an account, Mr. President, including you.

"Why do the nations rage

and the people plot in vain?

The kings of the earth take their stand

and the rulers gather together

against the Lord

and against His Anointed One."

Acts 4 - 25:26

Many are the plans in a man's heart

but its the Lord's purpose that prevails

Proverbs 19 - 21

All a man's ways seem innocent to him,

but motives are weighed by the Lord

Proverbs 16-2

Finally, PRAY without ceasing... 1 Thessalonians 5:17

go ahead people, You are God's property

no man can tell you otherwise - let them

try to take away your freedom in Christ -

they can't get into our personal relationship with Him

the one inside our hearts and minds... isn't that

what real FREEDOM is? I am FREE and no one

takes that from me anymore. I am SO thankful for this!

Glory to God in the highest...

The Lord Jesus is our King! Let it penetrate your heart

and into all the earth today and everyday!

See Also: 1 Peter 2:13 3:7

Let's ENCOURAGE one another with these words

and run the race before us, for the prize at the end!

I'm on board, how about you?

Post Party Photos & Video

2010-04-18T13:58:00.011-04:00

Joshua had a delightfully, tasty birthday party this

weekend! He's ONE and thoroughly enjoyed every

piece of it...lol

My personal favorite photo all the while, clapping his hands

WOW.... This icing is COOL!

Help... my arm is blue, but I just can't help myself!

Genuardi's makes the BEST icing ever!!!

Our family was so excited for Josh's fun day...

Our oldest boys had a baseball game the same day,

Needless to say, a VERY busy day for all, well... Mom :)

Mom and Dad... another year passes so quickly. Enjoy

each moment you have with your children!

Here's the anticipated video of Josh's shining

moment as he discovers... CAKE!!!!

Celebrating Joshua's 1st Birthday!

2010-04-16T10:53:00.002-04:00

A digital scrapbooking design by Smilebox

Don't Grow Weary Moms... God is near!

2010-04-11T16:36:00.012-04:00

Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest

if we do not give up. Gal. 6:9

Hey Moms!

I've got a challenge for you...

Do you find it difficult to smile or rejoice lately?

Even PRAY? Is it frustrating when every dish is dirty

in the sink and you find them elsewhere too?

When you put on a new shirt and dress up for your hubby

and your baby (or toddler) has spit up all day and all over

you instead? Or if you are a single parent and you don't

know what to do next, you've been feeling helpless?

When your child just doesn't want to sleep?

When the laundry is just never-ending in my household

("a mosh pit") and you find more baskets overflowing upstairs,

when you thought it was all finished? How about when there is a

moment of relaxation (they are there) and you go to take time to

lay down, relax or read and then in a blink of an eye, a scream, cry

or call awakens this tiny bit of freedom you feel is so long overdue?

When you teach your child over and over, the same routine and

they "still" don't get it? Stressed or even thoughts of failure

come to mind...

I've been there too! Maybe you can relate somehow to some of this

but, I get caught up in the daily routine of motherhood, as I'm

called to do, however, at times with a sour attitude or a harried type

of mothering, instead of taking each joy, struggle or challenge

with a bit of humility and calming the storms

(instead, I have brought on more storms) I'm happy to share though,

I'm doing MUCH better, with God as my leader this time!

God has reminded me of this so clearly through seeing constantly,

and finally accepting that we are all imperfect people and our kids are too,

BUT IT'S TOTALLY OKAY!!! If you're like me, I must fix every

problem, or have a solution ready and working immediately before the

next thing or stepping on my husband's fatherly duty, Lord forgive me.

Good luck with that mom, doesn't "usually" happen like that does it?

The Lord wants me (us) to call to Him more

in those moments (do I?) (do you?) so He can make the path clearer for

me to mother my children in times of stress and chaos with a

heart of Joy and to be an encourager to them!

I must make this known though,

Not to overlook or give up being passive, instead, to be the

source of knowledge, love and encouraging correction they desperately

need to grow and mature. I'm learning as I go here too... You know,

now that I think of it...

socks on the floor is nothing to get all "huffy" about all of the time! lol

The Lord is teaching me to be more like Him means absolutely,

giving up my reasoning, my rights every day and using His Patient

wisdom and unchanging knowledge that I've gained through

Christ to lovingly teach, train and nurture.

When selfish manners need correction,

a mom is called, when greedy behaviors are taking place, a mom

is called, when our kids are hurt physically or emotionally, a mom

is called. But even more revealing to me, is that GOD IS NEAR

every moment of testing and trial, He is for our family and cares

for us most deeply. Let's never forget that!

Take a moment with me and see our children through the

eyes of God and give yourself some slack, a break and start

to learn to encourage yourself in this high calling!

He trusts You with them - forgive yourself and move on...

The Lord gave these little cherubs to us because He

knew we COULD do it! Let's replace those bad attitudes

and get humble daily to remind ourselves that our children

are not just "our own", but God's Holy property, not burdens

but beautiful bouncing blessings who have an assignment to

fulfill like the rest of us! Have you ever thought about that?

Dear Sweet Lord, forgive me (us) for those

selfish times, and thank You for convicting my spirit about this.

This is an important season to mother very closely and to embrace

it so they can be all that You God called them to be for your

Kingdom, not my made up fantasy "american dream" world.

We are raising them to be on their own someday...

It helps to think more (eternally) when it comes to our kids

(it really helps take a load off when you look at it like that).

Who will they serve? What will they do with their lives?

It begins with Your image Mother, the one you bear

at home when no one else is looking but your little ones

(what do our children really observe?) and this applies to Fathers

too! You see, We can't do this alone... God IS NEAR.

How beautiful is this call to Motherhood... A need so desperately

broken in today's generation. We give up too easily, maybe we've

lost the motivation or are just lazy about it? Everyone has excuses.

THE CHALLENGE!

Every chance we get to hang out with our friends, family and

neighbors, let's joyfully remind other moms of how appreciative

God is of them, as they embrace this beautiful life changing challenge

with the gift of motherhood. Share with them and remind yourself,

that It's our time to be servants of the Holiest King - that's a pretty

important role! When times get tough,

and they will... we HAVE A GOD, named JESUS who is eagerly,

patiently waiting to hear our cries, our struggles, our joys, our

pain - to mend our hearts to help others find Hope and Peace

through God alone.

Investing in the lives of PEOPLE is our greatest natural resource.

I hear my little one now,

calling me!

Let's answer the Call with Love and Grace as we hug these little ones

and steer them into the Way of everlasting life with Jesus.

We are never alone.

After a hard days work... enjoy!

LOVE was demonstrated by this...

2010-04-02T08:11:00.005-04:00

Thank YOU, Jesus... My Heavenly Father!

You are so Perfect and Holy, you love me so much

and SAVED me by dying in my place and offering

me a place in heaven through my repentance and

obedience! You are the best, my comforter,

my healer, my shepherd!

Jesus - I want to please You in all I say

and do, help me to be holy and blameless, so

I can honor You with my life.

I thank You for all that you have done for me

and all that You are going to do in my life.

Prayers for Holy Week - GOOD Friday

2010-04-02T07:45:00.000-04:00

Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of the dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was depised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hid their faces, he was despised, and we held him of no account. Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.

Isaiah 53:1-5

• Now we are at the heart of Jesus’ mission: to suffer appallingly and to die without faltering in his love for us. This is where the gospel begins and ends. Yet it is hard to contemplate. We shy away from the pain and injustice of the passion.

• I carry the nail marks in my hands from baptism. I may wander far from the cross, but at the end I am drawn back to it.

Prayers for Holy Week - Thursday

2010-04-01T09:28:00.000-04:00

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them."

John 13:12-16

•John's gospel describes the Last Supper without mentioning the Eucharist. Instead, it describes Jesus washing his friend's feet.

•On his knees like a servant, Jesus turned human status upside down. Do I celebrate with the community of those who serve?

Prayers for Holy Week - Wednesday

2010-03-31T11:38:00.000-04:00

Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said,

"What will you give me if I betray him to you?" They paid him thirty pieces of silver.

And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.

Matthew 26:14-16

• There were two treacheries. Judas went out to grab his money, betrayed Jesus, and then

killed himself in despair. Peter, despite his protests, would deny his Lord; he faced his own

appalling guilt, then wept bitterly. His failure was not the end of the mission, but the beginning.

• Success is what I do with my failures. Teach me to trust in your love Lord, no matter what

I have done, and to learn from my mistakes and even from treachery.

Prayers for Holy Week - Tuesday

2010-03-30T09:05:00.000-04:00

Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified." But I said, "I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God."

Isaiah 42:1-4

• God knows me intimately, even from my first moments. He has a plan for me; whatever talents I have, he can put to use.

• Do I stand in the Lord’s way, with my own plan? I worked hard, I tried my best but now I have nothing left to give. Is this now the lord’s time when my way seems blocked?

PRAYERS FOR HOLY WEEK - MONDAY

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

Isaiah 42:1-4

• "My servant will not cry or lift up his voice or make is heard in the street… he will faithfully bring forth justice."

• That is our mission too, Lord: not by force or violence, but by gentle, faithful persistence to bring forth justice on the earth.

Sources: Beliefnet

Holy Week Remembrance

2010-03-28T17:09:00.000-04:00

Hosanna [Heb.,=save now; Psalm 118], an intensified
imperative, a cry, addressed to God, particularly used in the
Feast of Tabernacles, when prayers for rain were offered.
In the New Testament the crowd shouted it when
Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. It is used as an
acclamation in Christian worship, e.g., in the Sanctus .

Palm Sunday...

Imagine yourself in Jerusalem awaiting the coming King,

teaching us about humility as he enters this place on a donkey,

this king, this famous one of all! The man you've heard make blind

men see and bring a dead girl to life and so on.... sharing his life

through lessons of love, humility and faith! There you are waving those

palms for Him with fellow believers, singing, rejoicing, laughing,

joyful noises and dancing - celebrating the wondrous works of this

mighty man named JESUS!

The best part about this story is that we can still celebrate like this

today! In our hearts and with our entire lives - will you remember

with me this week which brings forth the ultimate sacrifice and

atonement for our sins at the end of this most Holy of weeks!

Jesus has arrived and he's about to do great battles in your life and

transform you like never before! Will you celebrate this awesome

Lord of heaven, named JESUS with me today?

I hope you will and take a moment to thank the Lord for his life that

has taught us so many things... especially to LOVE.

Looking forward to sharing more blessings with you, as this week

reaches a climactic turn of events that is truly life changing!

Lord God Almighty,

We want to see You in the light of Your glory and share

in this remembrance with others and remember to honor

You with all that is in us - waving those Palms in spirit

and in truth. Rejoicing in honor over You and what You

are about to do and what You have already done!

PRAISE HIM! Amen.

Son of Hamas Conversion

2010-03-26T08:46:00.000-04:00

An Awakening

2010-03-23T22:38:00.000-04:00

My prayer for this post is that it fills you with an

immense heartfelt passion for lost souls amongst us

as well as, all of the people around our globe who

don't even know about salvation.

The Lord has been speaking to my heart and life lately

in regard to missions work once again. I find it as no

coincidence that I've been ordering books on martyrs for

Christ around the world, subscribing to bulletins, email

updates on prisoners who need Jesus and so on...

As I grow closer to Christ and in His wisdom through faith,

almost, ashamedly, I'm finding out that I have been focusing

way too much on my own (maybe some of you can relate?)

needs, my own wants, my own troubles,

my own trials (Though, The Lord cares about them, it shouldn't

take up so much of my life) and not nearly enough time and prayer

for those around me, meaning, my neighbors close to home

or down the road from me, relatives who refuse to believe,

let alone the souls that live so far away who have never

even heard of the Gospel - can you imagine not knowing

our Great Savior, or worse, refusing His name?

There ARE people everywhere who haven't!

After viewing and researching some of the staggering statistics

about Christian church missions field work and how so few are

funded, let alone, really sharing the Gospel (about the personal

prayerful relationship we can have with Jesus) out there, I'm

appalled and angered with myself and others here in the US who so

freely live at ease and comfort with our basic necessities cared for

and tended to every single day and who have the Power of the

Gospel and who have heard of Him, who have freedom that exists

from the Lord himself yet, some (correction, MANY) are STILL living

in disobedience, rebellion, rioting for selfish reasons, picketing for vain

and immoral causes, for so-called "rights" (are you kidding me?)

and privileges, killing babies for profit and selfish ambitions

(God have MERCY on us, forgive us) and even more terrifying to me...

our own fears of rejection or embarrassment, more sadly, the

possibility of suffering persecution (tough pill to swallow) in reaching

others for our Savior and the list goes on... Are you one of them?

I was convicted to tell the truth today, that I have been one of them.

Lord, break our hearts, help us shed tears for these people and

to always be ready to witness for you along the way...

I pray that you will be moved as I have been after viewing this

presentation to begin a prayer team, or go out and physically

reach out to others somehow, someway even with our small

abilities and resources and to continue the Great Commission

we were ALL commanded to by God.

If you're like me, it is sometimes difficult to reach those whose

beliefs are centered and rely on "another" god or "gods", however,

if you are looking closely,

their eyes reveal another struggle (one that you can relate to them

about) one with no hope or a "false hope" and self reliance that has

them blinded to the Truth of God's Word, The Holy Bible...

John 14:6

If you are saved, then you know the struggle you once had, but, you

also have the Victory to share with them!

We can be that LIGHT of the world, Jesus can help us reach them,

if we're willing to be His vessel. Will you go?

Check out these amazing resources and information::

http://www.joshuaproject.net/

http://www.historymakers.info/

If you'd like to view

the larger video (to see the entire

screen) for some reason,

blogger view is not large enough

to use on my post? - Please click

onto the youtube screen

and it will send you there.

Spring Training

2010-03-22T09:32:00.001-04:00

REMEMBER THIS?

SPRING has FINALLY arrived... See Spencer practicing in

the dirt, lol - The boys have begun baseball practice for UMBA.

They are on the PHILLIES... YAY, Our most favorite team!

Tony coaching the boys during practice at Walker field.

Josh was practicing his napping patterns, looks like he's got

the technique pretty good!

Spencer going in for the "wind up" during pitching practice

GOOD JOB, SP!

Charles is ready to "bring the heat" during pitching

practice too!! WAY TO GO!

Ahhh... now wasn't that refreshing!

Josh is Crawling @ 11 mos!

2010-03-19T08:57:00.000-04:00

Josh started crawling this past weekend on his

11th month mark, just as mommy predicted!

YAY, He finally did it... now, the fun begins

as you'll see him getting "into" things around

the house now, lol.

Enjoy as he explores new territories with us!

We will also host his ONE YEAR birthday

party on Sat. April 17th (dob:4/16), just a few more

weeks away already, I can't believe how quickly a

year passes. I'll have more photos and videos then too.

Josh sends his hugs and love to you all... See you soon!

A New Language

2010-03-15T08:59:00.000-04:00

Tony and I, are on a new adventure to discover

some of Latin America's heritage, exploring in the U.S.A

Mexico and its neighbor, New Mexico in the comforts

of our home at moment. Hoping to travel eventually.

Photos above are from the Tourism website to

Native Indian area, Hispanic and Western locations from

the South in New Mexico (what a beautiful place)

It's also referred to as the Land of Enchantment!

We are presently learning the (Spanish language)

in the comfort of our home via various audio CD's,

computer technology and eventually classes featuring,

español!

We are also open to home studies with anyone

who knows this language well enough to comfortably

teach us too!

We thought this would be beneficial in so many ways,

not only as an opening to expand our own world,

and disciplines, rather, to reach out to the

aliens/natives among us as we are instructed by God to do.

I thought this statement put it more clearly

(sources: urbana.org)

...the current immigration debate is very political.

And the role of the church is not always the same as the role

of the state. It is difficult to know where to stand.

But the Scripture seems to be clear on how

we should treat the strangers who are among us. We too,

are only sojourners in this world; we exist by the graciousness

of a merciful God. How can we not be moved with compassion

for the plight of those, who like our forefathers and mothers,

seek only a better life for their families? For are they not like us:

made in God’s own image?

Welcoming immigrants, illegal or otherwise,

is like welcoming Jesus.

Do we not have something they need?

Isn’t there enough to go around,

really? Have we not ourselves been brought out

of Egypt?

Talk about awesome opportunity to witness (for all you

closet evangelicals out there - let's go and make disciples,

isn't that exactly what we're instructed to do?)

Also, we thought it to be a unique challenge for us as a couple

to connect with something significant together as well as

recognize and appreciate how frustrating it must be in trying

to communicate to us in English through a Spanish speaking

background.

So, we're setting out to put ourselves in the shoes of

the foreigners among us!

Some Facts about Spanish Language:

With 329 million native speakers, Spanish ranks as the

world's No. 2 language in terms of how many people speak

it as their (first language). It is slightly ahead of English

(328 million) but far behind Chinese (1.2 billion)

(Source: Ethnologue)

Spanish has at least 3 million native speakers each in 44

countries, making it the 4th mostly geographically spoken

language behind English (112 countries) French (60) and

Arabic (57). (Source: Ethnologue)

Missionary Presence

Paul Pretiz at: http://www.urbana.org/home

Early in the century the Mexican Revolution, in reaction to

Roman Catholic political dominance, led to the creation of a
secular state. Measures to thwart hierarchical influence
(including closing the country's doors to foreign religious workers)
meant no legal entry for evangelical missionaries for about
seventy years. This did not, however, discourage those entering
under other classifications.
Given the lower missionary profile, dynamic autochthonous
movements developed - those with no roots in foreign missionary
efforts. Such Christian groups accounted for 57.4 percent of
Mexico's Protestants in 1982. (1) Strong national leadership has
developed.
Changes in church-state relationships now permit the entry of
missionaries. Who will respond to Mexico City's call? Hopefully,
those not only willing to be exposed to its smog and crime,
but also willing to cooperate with the church already there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We are hopeful to learn the language successfully to be able to

communicate to our neighbors (To reach them for Jesus Christ)

in our area, our new church (which we just found out has 30

nations represented within AND this church is in Audubon, PA!)

and eventually become... Traveling Missionaries?

(if that is what the Lord would have us do).

Our boys are enjoying the new language around our house as

Tony and I (presently) sound like lunatics from another

PLANET (LOL) it's quite humorous and I will work on video

taping us at some point, so you can cheer us on and get a chuckle

out of it or maybe, some inspiration to explore new languages

yourself!

It's "supposed" to be one of the easiest languages to learn,

however, having to re-train our mouths all over again is sure to

be a challenge.

Our boys aren't exactly excited about learning with us just yet,

they are still mastering the English language and would rather

play and laugh at mom and dad right now! (lol)

Although, Joshua may be able to pick up on this new language

and become bi-lingual along with us.

He'll have a head start in the work place...

FYI: Knowing and speaking another language is considered

to be a high credential in seeking employment too, above

"degree level"education, in some positions.

Please pray for us, as we pursue to explore the Native Indian/

Hispanic/Western cultures in breaking the language barrier

that keeps us from truly knowing our fellow brothers and

sisters in Christ.

Wedding Updates!!! On The Knot

2010-03-13T18:56:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone...

Here is the link for my sister and soon to be brother -in-law's

website they've created about their big day!

Enjoy.

TheKnot