Then who can ever stop us
And if our God is with us
Then what can stand against?" ♥"
And here am I on earth
So I'll let my words be few
Jesus, I am so in love with You
Yes, I'll stand in awe of You
I'll let my words be few
Jesus, I am so in love with You." ♥
August 3—“Quiet day for me and the boys. A wend to work with D.”
August 4—“Anna’s grad reception today! Another swim party got stormed out. We are beginning to get frustrated, all our plans with A are getting rained out!”
“We did get some good photos of the four boys before the rain came!” 
For more about Sam and the ways YOU can help, check out http://www.alittlebirdie.org/33."
"Compassion is never compassion until you allow yourself to be interrupted and do something!" --Christine Caine
Powerful thought. Convicting thought.
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High." Psalm 46:1-4 (NJKV) ♥
August 10--"Praying for the mighty river of God's love, grace and mercy to wash over all who need it today. My ♥ is thinking of the millions who are trapped in slavery and bondage...River, wash over each one, bring hope and healing! ♥"
"Yes, Lord, yes!!!
Let this be out ♥'s cry!"
I agree, you only live once...so why not MAKE IT COUNT??? YOLO--MIC!!!!
Today, choose to do something that honors God and blesses others. After all, YOLO!!! ♥"
First things first...all that matters in life is loving God and loving others. Period. ♥"
WE STILL NEED MORE ADULT VOLUNTEERS (PARK CARS, USHER, HAND OUT FOOD, RUNNERS, ETC) AND MORE FOOD DONATIONS (BOTTLED WATER, ICEES, POPCORN, HOT DOGS, PIZZA, SNOW CONES, ETC!). MESSAGE ME FOR DETAILS!!"
While reading Brennan Manning's "The Furious Longing of God," I wept as he asked us to consider praying the following words. "Abba, I belong to You."
These two prayers are so simple, so childlike. And yet, they require greater measures of faith and trust than the most lofty petition. ♥
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours
Yeah...
Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours
You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours
And I was
Yeah...
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet" --Casting Crowns
Jesus, be lifted high! ♥"
Brandt is using a DVD school, "Switched on Schoolhouse," for high school. As I read over the objectives for the year, my head began to spin. I cannot even pronounce half of the things he'll cover in math and science. Good thing he's a smart one! The program covers Bible, Math, Science, History/Geography, and Language. We're adding Spanish, Typing, Music, PE and "Life Skills" to round out his curriculum.
Carson and Jordan, our sixth graders, will continue with "My Father's World," Year 4, Exploration to 1850." I am thrilled to be teaching a time in history that actually makes sense to me! I will learn so much with them! MFW covers unit studies of that time frame, incorporating Bible, History/Geography, Science, and Language. For Math, they will use Teaching Textbooks, Grade 7 (a year ahead). They will also study Spanish, Typing, Music and PE each week. Finally, we'll spend our Fridays at "Creative Kids Co-op" where they will be with other home school children, studying art, music, PE, life skills, economics, etc.
I promise you, you will never regret following Him. It is possible to walk through life with Him every single day. His word does not say "Follow me...unless you are between the ages of 12-20." He's called you to change the world, turn the tide. Are you ready? Are you brave enough? YOLO-- Make it count!!!!"
I thank each of you, for the gifts of TIME and CARE!
Dear Bonnie Martin Showalter and Bonnie Yoder, you both mentored me and treated me as an equal, a friend. Even though I was a young teen, you made me feel important, special.
Dear Sam Scaggs, you were my spiritual big brother! I still remember you taking me to the Snack Shop at EMU and you asked how I was doing in life...really doing! You let me share my heart and be real. You took me on my first cross cultural missions trip (Daddy's threats ringing in your ears, "Bring her back safely, or..."), exposing me to a world outside my own comfort zone.
Vernon Zook and Laurie Zook, you were second family, you gave me a home away from home. Vern, you tormented me with songs of V-O-M-I-T, but underneath it all, you poured and poured into my life! You took me on THREE missions trips, two to Chicago, one to HAITI! Laurie, you invested time to make me a handmade wedding gown! Wow, ya'll are awesome!
Dear Dianne Lipman, you and Ron spent many hours helping with our youth group. You took me out to lunch for my birthday and you bought me new clothes. You'll never know how that impacted me! You were also on that first missions trip (Honduras), where I discovered, "I need AIR to BREATHE!"
Dear Gwen D Zook and Darrell Zook, you opened your home to the youth for discipleship training. You went on the missions trip to Haiti with us. I will never forget being at Seista Key beach (debriefing) and sharing with Darrell that I felt lacking in a Christian testimony. I didn't have a background of addiction or prostitution, some wild past to share about. You looked me in the eye and said, "Heather, your testimony is that God has spared you from the pain of that life." Since that time, I have longed to share that message with others. It is possible to walk and talk with Jesus, even (especially) during the teen years.
Dear Renee and Doug Yoder, you served as volunteers for the youth group and invested countless hours in our lives leading meetings, retreats and just getting to know us. I watched your selfless service and it had a profound impact on my life.
Greg Mayo and Sherri Mayo, you traveled to Haiti while I was living there and one of your main goals was to minister and pastor my heart. I wept when you shared that, under the mango tree. I was homesick, burnt out and lonely and you came to bless lil ole me! The timing was perfect and your care carried me through my time there.
Wow, that's the VILLAGE that cared for my heart from age 13-18. I must carry the torch! Much has been given to me, therefore, much is required! God bless you all!
August 16--"A song that first came out when I was a teen...now, the same song is impacting another generation! Let this be our prayer!
"I want to be in the light as You are in the light
I want to shine like the stars in the heavens!
Oh, Lord be my light, be my salvation
All I want is to be in the light." ♥"
(Song--"In The Light" by DC Talk)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJd0Sr_uyFs&feature=share
August 16--"For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin." Romans 7:15-25 (NJKV) ♥
August 16--"A beautiful song...about surrender. Yes, Lord! I surrender...to YOU, to YOUR WAYS, YOUR PLANS. Not my will, but Yours be done! ♥"
(Worship Song--"I Surrender" by Hillsong)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcnfT4arZtI&feature=share
August 16--"I love that my sons, ages (almost) 14, 11 and 11, beg to watch "Little House on the Prairie" with me. I am so weary of disrespectful, selfish, greedy, lie infested Disney and Nick shows...time to watch some wholesome, family values. ♥"
August 17--""For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:16-16 (NKJV) ♥"
(Worship Song--"God So Loved the World" by Hillsong)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUT_tPqIQ6k&feature=share
August 17--"First week of school was a success!
Celebrating with ice cream sundaes, in Jordan's tortilla bowls. Thanks to Pinterest, we use the muffin tin to make the bowls.
And, some more "Little House." ♥"
August 18--""Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:42 (NKJV) ♥"
"Powerful song of SURRENDER!
"Like a rushing wind
Jesus, breathe within
Lord, have Your way in me
Like a mighty storm
Stir withing my soul
Lord, have Your way in me!" ♥
(Worship Song--"I Surrender" by Hillsong)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcnfT4arZtI&feature=share
August 18--"That's more like it! NOW we can concentrate! ORDER IS GOOD!"
August 19--""The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." John 10:10-11 (NJKV) ♥"
(Worship Song--"I Surrender" by Hillsong
"The More I Seek You" by Kari Jobe)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk&feature=share
August 19--"Back to School Bash" was a success! My guess is that almost 2,000 people came out to enjoy this FREE event! Food and outdoor concerts featured local bands. At 6, we began a concert featuring KJ-52, Jamie Grace and Sidewalk Prophets. A great way to send our young people back to school!
August 20--"My ♥ is full this morning, thinking of so many precious young people heading off to college, high school, middle school and elementary school! Also, I am lifting up the awesome teachers who love God and who will shine His light to their students today.
Go with God! Be bold! Don't hesitate to love and give and then love and give some more! Jesus' love will shine through you and you will be His hands and feet, "Jesus with skin" in your hallways, classrooms, on your buses and sports team!
Young people...choose to be a REBEL WITH A CAUSE...the cause of Jesus Christ! YOLO--Make it COUNT!!! ♥"
""Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV) ♥"
"Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say" ♥
(Song--"The Words I Would Say" by Sidewalk Prophets)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fpKwja0j50&feature=share
August 21--""This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book." (Written in John Bunyan's Bible, now written in each of our Bibles)
Lord, we want to hide Your word in our hearts, that we might not sin against You!"
""Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11 (NKJV) ♥"
August 23--""Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 ♥"
"When Jamie-Grace sang this on Sunday night, I cried a lot. Powerful song!"
(Song--"Come To Me" by Jamie Grace)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lBtnreAcAE&feature=share
"Another song that ministers to my spirit..."
(Worship Song--"10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E&feature=share
August 23--"Week 2 of school...check. Tomorrow is Brandt's birthday, no classes for us.
Our routine is coming. Brandt does most of his work on his own now. He worked ahead yesterday so he took today off, too. Happy birthday to him! ♥"
August 24--"Happy Birthday, Brandt!
14 years old...oh, how the years go by! Since your last birthday, you've grown over six inches. You are taller than mama now. It's a whole new ballgame!
I love you, son! Your name, "Brandt Christian" means "The strong follower of the Anointed One." I pray that you will follow Jesus with your whole ♥ and seek His face in all things. You are a strong one! No doubt about it! Use your strength to do GOOD THINGS for Him!! ♥"
"We chose verses for each of our boys when they were born. This is Brandt's life verse...
"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” I Samuel 1:27-28 (NJKV) ♥"
"For my boy..."Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say" ♥ --Sidewalk Prophets"
"My favorite gifts for Brandt this year...His purity ring that says "STRENGTH," fitting for his name means "The strong follower of the Anointed One." And, "Do Hard Things, a Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations." He will study this with his dad. ♥"
"More photos of our birthday boy..."
""Drive-In Movie" in Poppy's yard. Brandt's movie choice? "Captain America." Cake, popcorn, skeeters and cousins. And, the headache is gone! ♥"
August 25--"Birthday plans changed, due to the weather. No pool party. Indoor putt-putt and Chinese food. It'll do, not bad for plan B!"
August 25--"Baker5 favorite Sidewalk Prophets song? "You Love Me Anyway..."
Such comfort to hear my sons humming that tune, even when my ♥ is hurting...He loves me anyway! ♥"
(Song--"You Love Me Anyway" by Sidewalk Prophets)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8BBCYFAYRI
August 25--"Church, Cookout with my boys and Truth and Grace church picnic."
August 27--""For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18 (NKJV) ♥"
(Song--"Beautiful Things" by Gungor Music)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uumI-PdeZzY&feature=share
"The One who makes all things beautiful...HE IS BEAUTIFUL!♥"
(Song--"You're Beautiful" by Phil Wickham)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGlTzH9xkXQ&feature=share
August 28--""Then Aaron took it as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the assembly; and already the plague had begun among the people. So he put in the incense and made atonement for the people. And he stood between the dead and the living; so the plague was stopped." Numbers 16:47-48 (NKJV)
There is a PLAGUE in our world...the plague of sin, death, slavery, abuse...are we willing to stand between the living and the dead and she the plague STOPPED? ♥"
""I want to reach out (to others), but do I want to TOUCH THEM?" --honest musings of a dear friend"
""I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me me to do myself
I could choose not to move
But I refuse" ♥"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B1Lv8k5pEc&feature=share
August 29--"The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever." Psalm 23 (NKJV) ♥
(Song--"The Lord is my Shepherd" by Keith Green)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMUQEI0CLQM&feature=share
August 30--""My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4 (NKJV) ♥"
"Pressing THROUGH. So thankful we are able to home school our boys. Otherwise, they would have missed most of their classes due to illness. At home, we work a bit, rest a longer bit, repeat..."
(Worship Song--"All I Need Is You" by Hillsong)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPhovua0vCo&feature=share
August 31--""Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves." John 14:10-11 (NKJV) ♥"
"The cry of my ♥...
"Where You go, I go
What You say, I say
What You pray, I pray
What You pray, I pray..." ♥"
(Worship Song--"Where You Go, I Go" by Jesus Culture)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs1XRyIvEfU&feature=share
""Grow strong in your weakness...weak ones like you must live by faith, depending on Me to get you through the day. I am developing your ability to trust Me, to lean on Me, rather than your own understanding. Your natural preference is to plan out your day, knowing what will happen next. My preference is for you to depend on Me continually, trusting Me to guide you and strengthen you as needed. This is how you grow strong in your weakness." --Jesus Calling, August 30"
"Breathe in. I am filling you now.
Breathe out. I am removing all doubt.
Breathe in. Breathe out. Accept it, My child.
YOU ARE LOVED. Deeply.
YOU ARE ACCEPTED. Completely.
Nothing you do could make me love you less.
Nothing you do could make me love you more.
Because right here, right now, just as you are...
I LOVE YOU." --from my quiet time today"
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