Hey Ladies!
My apologies for little communication lately, but I have been caring for my mom who has been battling cancer. I am taking some time to be with her and that means avoiding germy places so that we don't pass anything to her. I have missed seeing all of you. I am not sure when I will be returning, but I look forward to seeing you all soon and planning some more events! Many blessings to you and yours this new year.
This is a great time to start planning what you want to achieve in 2009, don't forget to set time aside to hear the Lord and get on board with Him and the many adventures He has for you this year. I personally choose to say good-bye to procrastination (sure wish there was a pill for that). It is time for some major training and discipline in my life! I want to see the book of Acts come alive around me this year! No more fear, no more procrastination, no more hesitation and no more complacency! I am running a race and it's time to press in, look ahead and focus my attention on the goal - Jesus!!!!
Say good-bye to 2008, and look ahead to 2009...His mercies are new every morning! It's a clean slate full of vision, purpose and excitement! Lately, I have heard over and over again - You will find JOY when you are in your purpose! Our purpose is to enjoy the Lord and be obedient to Him! If we do just that, we will experience the greatest excitement this side of heaven and when we seek first the Kingdom of God, we will receive all that we need!
Enjoy the end of 2008 and Rejoice in His plans for you in 2009!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
A Day to Rejuvenate!
The Women's Day to Rejuvenate was great! I enjoyed spending the day with all of you and seeing the Lord minister to you, as well as, you all ministering to each other! We are in an awesome Body of Christ and I love our time together! Thanks to a great ministry team I think everyone loved the prayer/prophetic ministry the most!
There is lots to do to plan another weekend get away for next year, so if you are interested please let me know so we can get planning early!
God is so faithful, each meeting is different. Isn't it fun to serve God, He knows us so well and meets us at every turn!
*If you left a traveling coffee mug let me know
Blessings!
There is lots to do to plan another weekend get away for next year, so if you are interested please let me know so we can get planning early!
God is so faithful, each meeting is different. Isn't it fun to serve God, He knows us so well and meets us at every turn!
*If you left a traveling coffee mug let me know
Blessings!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Where do we go from here?
When the dust settles, the vacation ends, the guests go home and the door closes, we might ask, Where do we go from here? This can leave us with a feeling of relief, depression or anything in between. When we face the situations of life that arise we often see a chapter in our lives concluding. Hope comes when we begin to look out not in. To the future not the past. God always encourages us to move forward, to not look back, to pursue not retreat, to be active not passive. So how do we begin the next chapter? If you feel like you are at the end of one journey or a fork in the road - this is a good time to ask the Lord, "Where do we go from here"? God is our cheerleader, a personal encourager, as well as, the all knowing God! He knows exactly what you need, He knows exactly where you are, He knows exactly what you can handle, and He knows exactly how to get it to you!
Last week in a Bible study I attend, we discussed Elijah being led to the Valley of Kerith. God told him he would be fed by Ravens. Birds actually came and gave Him all He needed. The hand of God directed them to act contrary to their nature and instead of being greedy they gave the food from their mouth to God's own. Daniel was thrown into a den with hungry lions for an entire night and yet they overcame their nature and didn't respond to their hunger pains. Over an over again we see God taking care of His people in situations they'd probably rather not be in! God knows us by name, He knows every head on our head, and His thoughts toward us are MORE than the sands on the seashore!
IF you find yourself at the end of a chapter in your life, the completion of a goal, or a place where dreams have ended (for good or bad) - you are at a beautiful place. The Lord says, if we will ask, the door will be opened. He encourages us to dialogue with him, to choose to be guided by him every step of the way. We are in relationship with the God of the universe. And He knows what you need. Let Him meet you here and aswer your question..."Where do we go from here?"
Last week in a Bible study I attend, we discussed Elijah being led to the Valley of Kerith. God told him he would be fed by Ravens. Birds actually came and gave Him all He needed. The hand of God directed them to act contrary to their nature and instead of being greedy they gave the food from their mouth to God's own. Daniel was thrown into a den with hungry lions for an entire night and yet they overcame their nature and didn't respond to their hunger pains. Over an over again we see God taking care of His people in situations they'd probably rather not be in! God knows us by name, He knows every head on our head, and His thoughts toward us are MORE than the sands on the seashore!
IF you find yourself at the end of a chapter in your life, the completion of a goal, or a place where dreams have ended (for good or bad) - you are at a beautiful place. The Lord says, if we will ask, the door will be opened. He encourages us to dialogue with him, to choose to be guided by him every step of the way. We are in relationship with the God of the universe. And He knows what you need. Let Him meet you here and aswer your question..."Where do we go from here?"
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Need a new recipe...(send in a recipe to share too)
Mushroom Chicken: Lisa
Boneless/skinless chickenbreast
1 can tomato soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Just put all of the above in a sauce pan and simmer until the chicken is tender.
I serve it over some egg noodles and prepare some veggie on the side.
If anyone tries this – let me know if you like it. I could use all the cooking confidence I can get – HAHA
Basil Pesto Pasta: Naomi
10 - 12 ounces Whole Wheat spaghetti pasta, cooked until tender, drained
1 jar basil pesto
1 small jar artichoke hearts, drained (save juice for seasoning)
1 small jar roasted red peppers (save juice)
A handful of sun-dried tomatoes, cut into julienne strips
2 garlic cloves, chopped fine
A handful of black olives
4 - 5 fresh mushrooms, sliced thin
1/2 red onion, chopped fine
A handful of spinach leaves, cut up
1 cup Feta cheese
Optional: Grilled, cubed chicken breast
In pan, saute' onion in a little olive oil until almost tender, then add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Saute' for about 2 minutes, then add artichokes, peppers, and olives. Cook over medium heat until heated through. Lastly, add pasta, basil pesto, feta cheese and spinach leaves and stir thoroughly to coat pasta with the sauce. Season according to taste. I usually add fresh ground pepper, salt, some of the reserved artichoke and/or pepper juice. Garnish with pine nuts or almonds, and several freshly chopped basil leaves.
Crock Pot Chicken: kameren
One can Cocunut Milk
One can Tomato Sauce
Chicken (I used the thin already trimmed meat)
Curry, Paprika, Garlic, Onion, Salt and Pepper to taste
I set the crockpot on low all day 10am - dinner time
The chicken was so tender! You can probably flavor
this dish any way you like! I loved it! Serve over rice
Boneless/skinless chickenbreast
1 can tomato soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Just put all of the above in a sauce pan and simmer until the chicken is tender.
I serve it over some egg noodles and prepare some veggie on the side.
If anyone tries this – let me know if you like it. I could use all the cooking confidence I can get – HAHA
Basil Pesto Pasta: Naomi
10 - 12 ounces Whole Wheat spaghetti pasta, cooked until tender, drained
1 jar basil pesto
1 small jar artichoke hearts, drained (save juice for seasoning)
1 small jar roasted red peppers (save juice)
A handful of sun-dried tomatoes, cut into julienne strips
2 garlic cloves, chopped fine
A handful of black olives
4 - 5 fresh mushrooms, sliced thin
1/2 red onion, chopped fine
A handful of spinach leaves, cut up
1 cup Feta cheese
Optional: Grilled, cubed chicken breast
In pan, saute' onion in a little olive oil until almost tender, then add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Saute' for about 2 minutes, then add artichokes, peppers, and olives. Cook over medium heat until heated through. Lastly, add pasta, basil pesto, feta cheese and spinach leaves and stir thoroughly to coat pasta with the sauce. Season according to taste. I usually add fresh ground pepper, salt, some of the reserved artichoke and/or pepper juice. Garnish with pine nuts or almonds, and several freshly chopped basil leaves.
Crock Pot Chicken: kameren
One can Cocunut Milk
One can Tomato Sauce
Chicken (I used the thin already trimmed meat)
Curry, Paprika, Garlic, Onion, Salt and Pepper to taste
I set the crockpot on low all day 10am - dinner time
The chicken was so tender! You can probably flavor
this dish any way you like! I loved it! Serve over rice
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
End the Monotony!
Many of us can say we have ruts we have been stuck in along the journey of life, right! It's not just me is it? We see it often in our walk with God, our husbands, school, and how we get to certain familiar locations (auto pilot) We start living life in a routine or comfort zone! Well isn't it time to break out...the economy should be doing lots to shake us up so why not jump in and embrace some change! We can stop the monotony today...hang out with God in a new way. Maybe go out for coffee or take a walk just with Him. Maybe call a phone number you make up in your head and share a word of encouragement with the person who answers. What about paying for the gasoline of someone at another pump? Worship the Lord with the doors of your house wide open and the music cranked! Just say no to the same ol' same ol' of life! Spice it up! Married women - change the way you do things at home - create an atmosphere of surprise for your husband and family! Single ladies - call up some friends and have them over for a celebration of life!!! Yesterday me and the boys cranked up the music early in the morning and danced around...it changed the whole atmosphere of our day. We were filled with laughter, got our blood pumping and we were just down right silly! It's good for the soul! Break out of your routine! Drive home from work a different way, see different people, get a new attitude! Whatever it takes!
Here's a place to practice...Thanks to Naomi and Lisa for sparking this idea - Send an email to bdtermined2@aol.com with a new dinner recipe. I will post all the recipes and we can break out of our usual dinner routines! Send them in and I will get them posted ASAP!
Have Fun and please, email any great ways you break out of monotony this week - I will post those too!
Go with God!
Here's a place to practice...Thanks to Naomi and Lisa for sparking this idea - Send an email to bdtermined2@aol.com with a new dinner recipe. I will post all the recipes and we can break out of our usual dinner routines! Send them in and I will get them posted ASAP!
Have Fun and please, email any great ways you break out of monotony this week - I will post those too!
Go with God!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Rachel's Project - Clara Wiggins
Get a Vision - Change the World!
It only takes a spark to get a fire going..." Those were words I used to sing from my old youth choir days. Clara's testimony below is an example of what can happen when we grab hold of the spark and put some action to it - who knows what God will do. Here is how that spark started for Clara.
I started The Transformation Initiative (TTI) when I returned from my first trip to Kenya. On that trip I met a woman named Rachel who changed my life. She was HIV positive, had three children, no way to make a living and she was dying. She lived in a slum in the most horrible conditions I had every seen. Over the course of my trip and after doing some research upon my return, I learned that Rachel's story is not unique. There are about 1billion people on the planet in the same situation. I was compelled to do all I could to get involved in helping women like Rachel and the children that are orphaned as a result of Aides. Rachel died in December of 2007. I started "The Rachel Project" in her honor. The goal of the project is to provide food, clothing, medical care and other basic things to children that are left on their own after their parents die from AIDS. TTI is working in partnership with a local non profit in Kenya that supports a large number of HIV orphans. We try to send $200.00 every month to help support these kids.
Clara
If you would like to be a part of fanning the flame, visit...
Friday, September 26, 2008
Economic Questions and Answers with Dave Ramsey
Over the past month, we’ve witnessed the largest bankruptcy in history, the stock market dropping like a rock, and the talking heads on TV freaking out that the world is coming to an end. I’m here to tell you the truth—we’re going to make it. We’re going to be fine. Take a chill pill.
This month I’ve compiled some of the most-asked questions I’ve gotten recently from you:
Are we okay, Dave?
Definitely. Remember Enron and WorldCom in the recent years? We survived that. But much worse than all this was the financial crisis of the ‘80s – S&L collapse and 1,000 bank failures in 2 years. We’re nowhere near this type of thing; that was probably 50 to 100 times worse than all of this.
What does all of this come back to?
Greedy banks financing homes to broke people. It all seemed to work okay in their minds when the economy was booming, but when the economy slowed a little bit broke people quit paying on their subprime mortgages. DUH. No wonder they went out of business. Stupid decisions.
Is there anything we can do to fix this bailout mess?
YES! Here's a quick summary: Companies that had billions in subprime loans were feeling the effects of their stupid decision to make those loans in the first place, and practically gave them away for pennies on the dollar. But since no one wants these loans, and they've had to mark them down to market value, it has frozen the market. If we temporarily change the rule that forces companies to do that, that will free the market up.
This is an absolutely huge deal, and it involves everyone getting in touch with their congressperson before we spend hundreds of billions of dollars that we don't need to! Learn more
Will the collapse of businesses and banks affect me?
No, not unless you work there. Thousands of stock brokers on Wall Street have lost their jobs in the past few weeks, but that happens in other industries across the country in good and bad times. This time it just happened in NYC where all the national news media is so they made a big deal of it.
If I have 401(k) money in a Merrill Lynch or AIG trading account, should I move the money elsewhere?
No. Your money isn’t with them; your 401(k) money is in the stocks. These big companies are just managers (unless you directly own stock in their company). The only thing that may be an issue is if they crash later, you may have some customer service issues, but your money is still safe. This is a good reminder to not have all of your money in one stock—that’s stupid. Always spread out your money in various growth stock mutual funds.
With these acquisitions, will my 401(k) account and entire portfolio with Merrill Lynch be lost?
No. They just own the company Merrill Lynch. Look at it this way—if I owned 6 rental properties and hired a management company that eventually failed, I would still own the properties; I just wouldn’t have a manager. Your broker doesn’t have title to your stuff. Your 401(k) is not a company asset; that’s the beauty of it.
Should I sell my US stocks to buy gold and foreign stocks?
Absolutely not! Why would you think foreign stocks are any better than US stocks? Again, diversify your money in good growth stock mutual funds instead.
What practical lessons should small business owners learn from these bank difficulties?
When you have no cash, you freakin’ go broke. You must keep some cash on hand, no matter what kind of business you have. Give yourself some wiggle room where you can take a hit and still be standing.
Remain calm, America. We’re in a slow time, but just pay your bills and you’re going to be fine.
Related:
Contact your congressperson
More from Dave about the economy
Discuss this and more with other Dave Ramsey fans
This month I’ve compiled some of the most-asked questions I’ve gotten recently from you:
Are we okay, Dave?
Definitely. Remember Enron and WorldCom in the recent years? We survived that. But much worse than all this was the financial crisis of the ‘80s – S&L collapse and 1,000 bank failures in 2 years. We’re nowhere near this type of thing; that was probably 50 to 100 times worse than all of this.
What does all of this come back to?
Greedy banks financing homes to broke people. It all seemed to work okay in their minds when the economy was booming, but when the economy slowed a little bit broke people quit paying on their subprime mortgages. DUH. No wonder they went out of business. Stupid decisions.
Is there anything we can do to fix this bailout mess?
YES! Here's a quick summary: Companies that had billions in subprime loans were feeling the effects of their stupid decision to make those loans in the first place, and practically gave them away for pennies on the dollar. But since no one wants these loans, and they've had to mark them down to market value, it has frozen the market. If we temporarily change the rule that forces companies to do that, that will free the market up.
This is an absolutely huge deal, and it involves everyone getting in touch with their congressperson before we spend hundreds of billions of dollars that we don't need to! Learn more
Will the collapse of businesses and banks affect me?
No, not unless you work there. Thousands of stock brokers on Wall Street have lost their jobs in the past few weeks, but that happens in other industries across the country in good and bad times. This time it just happened in NYC where all the national news media is so they made a big deal of it.
If I have 401(k) money in a Merrill Lynch or AIG trading account, should I move the money elsewhere?
No. Your money isn’t with them; your 401(k) money is in the stocks. These big companies are just managers (unless you directly own stock in their company). The only thing that may be an issue is if they crash later, you may have some customer service issues, but your money is still safe. This is a good reminder to not have all of your money in one stock—that’s stupid. Always spread out your money in various growth stock mutual funds.
With these acquisitions, will my 401(k) account and entire portfolio with Merrill Lynch be lost?
No. They just own the company Merrill Lynch. Look at it this way—if I owned 6 rental properties and hired a management company that eventually failed, I would still own the properties; I just wouldn’t have a manager. Your broker doesn’t have title to your stuff. Your 401(k) is not a company asset; that’s the beauty of it.
Should I sell my US stocks to buy gold and foreign stocks?
Absolutely not! Why would you think foreign stocks are any better than US stocks? Again, diversify your money in good growth stock mutual funds instead.
What practical lessons should small business owners learn from these bank difficulties?
When you have no cash, you freakin’ go broke. You must keep some cash on hand, no matter what kind of business you have. Give yourself some wiggle room where you can take a hit and still be standing.
Remain calm, America. We’re in a slow time, but just pay your bills and you’re going to be fine.
Related:
Contact your congressperson
More from Dave about the economy
Discuss this and more with other Dave Ramsey fans
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Winds of Change
I have been hearing lots about "the winds of change" for 2008. Maybe some of you have been hearing the same. Looking at the current natural world between Ike and the elections - I see winds...strong winds, bringing lots of change. My mother-in-law was even affected by Ike and she lives in Chicago. Did you see how enormous Ike was? I am amazed at the power, strength and enormity of this storm. And talk about a change in the election world. Talk about power, energy, strength - I just wonder what all of this natural stuff might be saying about the Spiritual changes that are coming for each one of us! We are knit into the fabric, we are a part of the DNA of all God has planned - it is astounding what He desires for us. And I wonder, do we even have a clue what that looks like!
A small glimpse I saw as a mother this weekend is just a little window into the picture of what it must be like for God to watch us get it. We have been teaching and helping our three year old hear from the Lord. We always ask him did he have dreams from the Lord, or hear anything when we pray or lay hands on someone...usually we don't get a reply. But this weekend was different. After Bible study this week he sang all the way home about how much he loved his little brother. His entire attitude had changed from the days before. On and on he went...I was beaming of course. And then at dinner his dad said, "let's pray for mommy and see if the Lord gives us anything good for her." My three year old, who didn't seem to be paying a lick of attention said, "I saw two helmets." and that was it. I had gotten up to get another helping of food and I was overcome and about to burst into tears. The Lord immediately told me they represented his protection over two areas I was terribly worried about. I was so moved by the power that word had from a three year old who so casually offered a simple "thought."
I can just see God enjoying all the little achievements and steps we make - the "aaha" moments when we realize who He truly is! Many of us haven't even tapped into what God really has planned. For some, that thought is too much to even think about because we don't believe God can do much with us. But when I look at my child and think wow, if he is doing this at three - what will he be able to do with God at 15, 30, 50, 80 and so on! Wow. God says to us, "You did it! don't stop here, keep going - I have so much ahead for you. I can't wait, it's gonna be awesome!"
For me 2008 started off with change and I thought I would see huge changes quickly...but I haven't seen as much as I had hoped. Sometimes we can let discouragement set in when things don't move along like we wanted them to. Look at all the guys in the Bible who waited for what they new was to come. Simeon waited his whole life to see the Messiah, Noah waited a really long time for the rain (and was mocked in the waiting), David waited years to become King, and Jesus waited 3o years to start his ministry. IF we haven't seen it yet - one thing I have learned from my walk with the Lord is that He is faithful - and that is what I stand on when waiting for the winds of change! For I know the plans He has for me, plans to prosper me not to harm me, to give me hope and a future!!!
Eagles soar above the storm...they take the opportunity and use the wind to promote them higher and higher. So let's take out our kites (dreams, vision, plans, ideas, hopes, fears, wonders, circumstances) and throw them to the wind and see what God can do!!!!
*Please pray for the details of the women's retreat to come together!!!
A small glimpse I saw as a mother this weekend is just a little window into the picture of what it must be like for God to watch us get it. We have been teaching and helping our three year old hear from the Lord. We always ask him did he have dreams from the Lord, or hear anything when we pray or lay hands on someone...usually we don't get a reply. But this weekend was different. After Bible study this week he sang all the way home about how much he loved his little brother. His entire attitude had changed from the days before. On and on he went...I was beaming of course. And then at dinner his dad said, "let's pray for mommy and see if the Lord gives us anything good for her." My three year old, who didn't seem to be paying a lick of attention said, "I saw two helmets." and that was it. I had gotten up to get another helping of food and I was overcome and about to burst into tears. The Lord immediately told me they represented his protection over two areas I was terribly worried about. I was so moved by the power that word had from a three year old who so casually offered a simple "thought."
I can just see God enjoying all the little achievements and steps we make - the "aaha" moments when we realize who He truly is! Many of us haven't even tapped into what God really has planned. For some, that thought is too much to even think about because we don't believe God can do much with us. But when I look at my child and think wow, if he is doing this at three - what will he be able to do with God at 15, 30, 50, 80 and so on! Wow. God says to us, "You did it! don't stop here, keep going - I have so much ahead for you. I can't wait, it's gonna be awesome!"
For me 2008 started off with change and I thought I would see huge changes quickly...but I haven't seen as much as I had hoped. Sometimes we can let discouragement set in when things don't move along like we wanted them to. Look at all the guys in the Bible who waited for what they new was to come. Simeon waited his whole life to see the Messiah, Noah waited a really long time for the rain (and was mocked in the waiting), David waited years to become King, and Jesus waited 3o years to start his ministry. IF we haven't seen it yet - one thing I have learned from my walk with the Lord is that He is faithful - and that is what I stand on when waiting for the winds of change! For I know the plans He has for me, plans to prosper me not to harm me, to give me hope and a future!!!
Eagles soar above the storm...they take the opportunity and use the wind to promote them higher and higher. So let's take out our kites (dreams, vision, plans, ideas, hopes, fears, wonders, circumstances) and throw them to the wind and see what God can do!!!!
*Please pray for the details of the women's retreat to come together!!!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Fall Women's Retreat
Last years Elizabeth Weekend was a great success! To build on what God did and is doing among us, we will be having another weekend for you this fall. I don't have too many details yet, but be on the look out for more info. very soon!
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