Love=Life

Love may sound a little hokey when we first hear about it. Pictures of a mother kissing her baby for the first time or an elderly couple holding hands after forty years together elicits a collective “Aw…”, but little more. It is obvious to me that Kimchi and I begin our journey with you by talking about love. It is the foundation for everything this blog stands for—from loving yourself the way you are to loving others, especially other women.

"The cure for all ills and wrongs, the cares, the sorrows and the crimes of humanity, all lie in the one word 'love.' It is the divine vitality that everywhere produces and restores life." -Lydia Maria Child

We are all born with the need to be loved. It’s inherent in all human beings—God just made us that way. We seek love all the days of our lives. Sometimes we find it where God intended like our families, church, etc. Sometimes we find it in strange places—an elderly neighbor who becomes a mentor, a person once thought to be an enemy. The point is that, along with water, food, and shelter, we need love.

When people are without love, they’re not whole. They start looking other places to fill that need, often to their own detriment. You can trace the past of most psychos and serial killers and find that at some point they were thwarted by love—whether it be the love of a family or a significant other or just people in general.

Last week we talked about the potential little acts of kindness had to create bigger ripples. Love is like that. We never know the effect that showing a little love toward a fellow woman could have. Have you ever heard the song “Moments” by Emerson Drive? If not, hop over to YouTube and look it up. It’s a pretty extreme version of what I’m talking about, but it shows how if you step out to help someone, you can change their lives.

Love is a foundation to build any relationship upon. If we’re to help each other as women, we must first reach inside and pull out that love. Just like God reaches us where we are, so we need to reach each other where we are. We all struggle and we all need the kind of love that does not ridicule us, even when we make mistakes.

While I was living in Fort Leavenworth, I had the honor of meeting three incredible women. We were all very different—coming from different backgrounds, different struggles, even different stages of our lives, but we shared two things in common. We were all military wives and we all had a relationship with God. With those women, I knew I could go to them with any problem, any crisis…anything and they would do their best to help me without judgment. It is rare to find that with one woman, let alone three at the same time. I know I was very blessed. God gave them to me at a time in my life when I was struggling to find my place, to know who I am.

So how do we lay that foundation of love? What makes this foundation so important? Join me tomorrow and we’ll look at some practical applications for this foundation.

For 2011

Happy Sunday, all!

First of all, we'd like to thank everyone for your show of support during our kickoff month! We were overwhelmed by your kindness and willingness to join in the conversations. You showed us that we are where God wants us to be and we look forward to serving you for as long as God sees fit.

We won't normally be posting on Sundays, but I wanted to give you all a peek on what to expect over the next year from us. Starting tomorrow, we'll move to posting six days a week, Mon-Sat (with Sat being recipe day). We'll have lots of fun as we learn, with guest posts, giveaways, and chances for you to voice your opinions.

We've decided our theme for this year is "Fruit of the Spirit". But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Each month we'll expand on a different trait with a goal of encouraging and empowering our new friends to "be the change they want to see in the world". Now, even if you aren't a Christian, we hope that you will still gain a lot of insight from the posts.

So join us this coming month as we expound on the basis of it all--LOVE!

The Winner Is....

Good Morning EEE Followers!

This morning, my two year old daughter chose a piece of paper from my hand(each one containing the names of the people who posted on Ripple Effects)and helped me choose our winner for today. Our winner is................ Ruth !!!!!!! Of course to Ralene and I, you are all winners and we appreciate you sharing your hearts with us. Congratulations ,Ruth, and thank you for taking God's heart of love and turning them into Ripple Effects for others to experience! Ruth, please send me your current mailing address to my email address: kimchilya4@yahoo.com.  For those of you who didn't win, your names will be put into the book drawing for tomorrow as well.
 It's not too late to enter tomorrow's book giveaway, just place a comment on the post, "Create in me a Pure Heart."

Have a great weekend everyone and thank you for supporting us at EEE!:)

Create In Me a Clean Heart...by Pamela Sonnenmoser(Guest Blogger)

        
          I'm honored to introduce my new friend, Pamela Sonnenmoser, to our blog.  She is an energetic, creative, passionately  talented Mighty Woman of God.  She loves to teach, equip and inspire others to draw towards  God's amazing love.  Although  I've only known her a short while, her zeal to encourage others is contagious!

  

Create In Me a Clean Heart

                                                                                        By Pamela Sonnenmoser

 

It is hard to believe that another year has passed and that we are already a month into 2011. How did you do with all of the resolutions that began 2010? If you are like most people, the resolutions you made lasted about two weeks. Some of you might have made it until February, and a meager 15% of you might have actually kept your resolve for the entire year.

I have resolved in past years to keep my house cleaner, lose weight, send cards out more often, and quit procrastinating as well as a few other things that I can’t remember. A few years ago I resolved to read the Bible through again.  I even picked up one of those guides that help you read through the entire Bible in a year. I started out great, but as soon as a cold morning brought a round of hitting the snooze button to stay under the covers longer, my resolve met the frenzy of waking up late and it was over. I read God’s Word and studied regularly for the rest of the year, but my “plan” was dissolved and my guide to read through in a year got buried under the stack of junk mail littering my coffee table and eventually found its way to the burn barrel.

The next year I was given one of those Bibles that are designed to be read in a year. Each day there is a dated selection to read. I will admit it seemed like the answer, but if I needed to study something else for an article or a talk I was giving, that day’s reading was traded for the more pressing text. Then I would be off a day or two, and my resolve was once again replaced by other priorities.

We all look forward to a new year. For many people, January 1 is a release from the year before and a new lease on life. We hear people say things like “2011 has got to be better than 2010.” Or, “2011 is the year I will …” I am sure you can complete the sentence. I am also looking forward to the rest of 2011. My speaking schedule is filling up and God is opening doors for ministry, even into 2012. Yes, 2011 holds many things that I am looking forward to.

                                                    

As I was preparing my planner for the coming year I began to think of things I want to change in the new year. My pondering brought me to a scripture that I have always loved. Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

That was it, my new year’s resolution for 2011! Create in me a clean heart. My prayer for 2011 and every day of my life needs to be for the Lord to clean my heart.

 I was talking with someone recently about nutrition and healthy living, he pointed out that our bodies are full of toxins that come from the environment, foods we eat and chemicals in the water and so on. He said that we need to cleanse our body periodically to flush those toxins out so that healthy things can take their place.

It was a light-bulb-moment for me as I thought of my heart for God. I love the Lord with all of my heart, but I live in the world. Like most of us, I don’t live in a bubble. I hear things I would rather not hear and I see things I would rather not see. I protect my heart as much as I can and I try to be spiritually healthy by studying God’s word and spending time with him in prayer and praise. Yet, there are still thoughts that creep into my mind that are far from holy. There are things that come from my mouth that I wish I could erase as soon as they hit the air. Where do they come from? Why would someone who loves the Lord and wants to please him say or even think such things?

Sometimes I forget that my spirit needs to be cleansed. Daily I must ask God to create in me a clean heart. My spirit needs renewal, daily to remain strong in faith. I cannot wait until my thoughts are muddled with the garbage that is acceptable to the world. Every day I pray that the Lord will take out the impurities and sweep out anything that interferes with my relationship with Him. I don’t want to be cast away from his presence because I allowed the trash from the world to overcome me.

Psalm 51: 10-13

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. 13 {Then} I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You.

My relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship I have. It is the only one that is worthy of my all. He is the only one who has given me His all. His word is full of everything we need to walk in right relationship with him. It is a clean heart and a steadfast spirit that I need in order to show the joy of the relationship I have found with the Savior. How else can I lift Jesus up? How else can others be drawn to Him?

So, what resolution have I made in 2011? To share the joy and love of Christ with everyone I meet. This time, it’s a keeper!

Thank you, Pamela, for taking the time to share with us today your wisdom and insight.  Pamela is giving away one of her books called, Praise and Paraphrase . Please leave a comment today and we will enter your name into a drawing for this weekend. 

Pamela Sonnenmoser is the founder and director of Fresh Cup Ministries. She is the author of Praise & Paraphrase: 90 Days of Spiritual Truth from Every Day Life (CrossRiver Media, 2010), and the soon-to-be-released, Beside the Empty Cradle (Beacon HIll, June 2011). She is an international speaker for churches, retreats, camps, luncheons and other women's events. Pamela lives on a farm near Kansas City, MO with her husband John and a menagerie of dogs, cats and critters. For more information please visit her website at www.freshcupministries.com.

 

Ripple Effects...by Laryssa Toomer (Guest Blogger)

     I am privileged to run alongside this beautiful sister in Christ, Laryssa Toomer, on this journey ministering to women and leading them deeper into God’s healing Word.  Laryssa has always been a shining example of a Mighty and Bold woman of God to me.  She’s been one of my greatest encouragers in my walk with writing and pursuing my destiny in Christ.  She is an incredible friend, who keeps things real, simple and amazingly fun.  She is full of wisdom and insights beyond her years.  Laryssa is straight from the Giver of every good and perfect gift.  I introduce to you my friend, homeschool mother of three beautiful children, retired military wife, strong runner/triathlete , Christian Speaker and Free-Lance writer, Laryssa Toomer! 

RIPPLE EFFECTS

Small things count. They really do.

Too often we believe that we have to do something “major” in order to have a major impact. Especially as women, we’re constantly fed media messages that tell us “we’re every woman,” that we can do it all, and that our value and worth are tied to quantity. We attempt to do “big” things in the name of influence, often at the expense of small opportunities that have great impact. I’ve been guilty of these attempts in years past--even in the name of advancing the Kingdom of God--only to feel completely exhausted, overwhelmed, and disillusioned. But that’s when God taught me about the power of small acts and small steps--things that I often overlooked. A vivid picture of the ripple effect comes to mind.

Wikipedia explains the ripple effect as “a term used to describe a situation where, like the ever expanding ripples across water when an object is dropped into it, an effect from an initial state can be followed outwards incrementally.” I especially like this simple, online definition: when one event produces effects which spread and produce further effects, etc. I love this.

One event. Further effects. Extending.

Many times when I’m resting in between laps in the pool, I often tap on the water just so I can watch the ripple effect. I’m fascinated at how one small tap produces effects much further than where I tapped. It reminds me all over again that small things count and often impact in ways that I may not always see. I read a quote that says: “Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”

I encourage you to think about the power of one, simple in the context of your daily activities (home, in the workplace, online, etc.). A smile. An extra hug. A simple “hello.” A phone call or text message. An “I love you.” One-minute prayers throughout the day (versus trying to have marathon sessions). Mulling over one, Bible verse. Practical acts such as greeting the Wal-Mart cashier by her first name. Drinking one less soda. Cleaning out one drawer. These are simple, do-able, and have ripple effects--some reaching further than others...and some that are immeasurable, reaching as far as future generations in our families and in others’.

What act can you do today that would ripple into your life, health, family, someone else’s life, etc.? Please carry on the list in the comments!

Thank you, Laryssa, for taking the time to share with us today your wisdom and insight.  Laryssa is giving away one of her books she is published in called, The Mommy Diaries.  Please leave a comment today and we will enter your name into a drawing for this weekend.

Laryssa often refers to herself a gal who’s been captured by God’s amazing grace, who glories in the Cross of Christ. This retired Army wife is a homeschooling mom loves to teach the Bible, write, and share life together with others (over coffee of course!). She enjoys cooking, participating in endurance sports, and foolishly jumping on the trampoline with her three children. Her greatest joy outside of God is spending time with her husband Jeff, who now serves in vocational ministry as a Site Pastor. Laryssa blogs about life “At Home” over at www.laryssaonline.com. Her speaking site is www.laryssatoomer.com.

Hope for Women Magazine Winner

Happy Tuesday, ya'll!

I'm just popping in here real quick to announce the winner of the 1-year subscription to Hope for Women magazine gifted by the fabulous Victoria.

And the winner is...

MANDY!!!

Congrats, lady! Email me your address (raeburk01 at yahoo dot com) and I'll get it to Victoria. I'm so excited for you!!! (Can you tell? I mean, I did go a little exclamation mark crazy!!!)

The Turtle on the Fence

                        When Ralene and I named our blog, Encourage. Empower. Extend, we wanted it to be an extension of the truths we held importantly in our own lives.  As women of faith, we are called to put our faith into action daily.  Faith without works is dead, and we can’t become the women God calls us to be.  For the past two weeks, we have discussed what it means to encourage and empower, and today, we will look at what it means to extend.  

At first when I thought of the word extend, I chuckled to myself as I recalled attending some Yoga and Pilates classes where I had to stretch my body into some funky positions. Trust me; it was not a pretty sight!  I was definitely stretching myself past my normal capabilities.  It’s good to challenge ourselves every once in awhile and extend our minds, bodies and spirits into new places that God requires us to go.  It’s part of the process of maturity and God loves opportunities to also extend His grace and power to us so that we can do things we never dreamed of before. 

Another way we can extend ourselves is helping others.  I’ve always loved the verse from Deuteronomy 5:15,  “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.”  The word outstretch is another word for extend.  The Greek word for extend is  Didomi,  which means to give something of one's own accord,  to give for advantage, to bestow a gift, supply, furnish, stretch, expand, deliver, to reach out, or enlarge.  It makes me smile when I think of God reaching down from the Heaven with an extended arm to help me.

             So how can we extend ourselves to others in a world that desperately needs it?  We live in times where women everywhere need help.  The world demands a lot from us today.  We are expected to hold down full time jobs while being a loving, caring, perfect wife and mother, who is also the ideal example of health and beauty too.  Oh, and don’t forget to put a smile on your face as well!  Just typing those demands makes me tired and my mind spin, never mind doing it!  However, if it wasn’t for the awesome women that God placed into my life that extended themselves to me in the ways of friendship, time, love, encouragement, knowledge, grace, hope and vision, I may not be the woman I am today. 

             Alex Haley, the author of Roots, keeps a picture of a turtle sitting on top of a fence in his office.  He was reminded daily that the turtle didn’t get up there on his own, but rather someone helped him.  We too need to keep this truth before us that helping others is one of the noblest occupations we could ever do as a human being.  In the end, it is not about us but rather about extending ourselves to others who need it. 

            This is the same vision we have for Encourage. Empower. Extend.  We want to be an extension of God’s love and help to those women around us daily.  We all have something to give that God desires us to use.  In what ways are you like that turtle on the fence?  How can you begin to extend yourself today?  Be encouraged with Proverbs 31:29 that says, "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."  Now go put some turtles on the fence! 

A Winner!

Good morning all! Okay, in most of the rest of the world, the morning has passed, bu there in Hawaii, it's only 8:45. Not that I'm bragging or anything.

On to the good stuff!




The prize we're drawing for today is the book by Stephanie Morrill. We had a very complicated system of choosing the winner. There were 16 comments (though some were by myself, Kimchi, and Stephanie). I asked my 3-year-old daughter to pick a number 1-16. She so brilliantly said...1!

Congratulations, pinkcombatboots!

Send me an email at raeburk01 at yahoo dot com with your address and I'll get the info to Stephanie.

Have a fab weekend!

It Happened at Walmart

It is my pleasure to introduce a new friend of mine. She is a wonderful inspiration and I know you all will just love her to pieces! Please welcome Victoria to EEE!

Victoria is a slave to Christ and a dork for the '80s. Whether homeschooling, housewifing, or hiding from the laundry heap, she’s grateful to be a continual work of progress in God’s hands. You can find her at her new site where she writes about Biblical Friendship each Friday. http://biblicalfriendship.com


I’ve never quite been able to reconcile the “me” inside with the version other people see. Sometimes shy, others outgoing, there’s just no telling what impression I might leave. When asked point blank, I finally put a name to the dichotomy—I am a closet extrovert.

Oh, I’d love to take you by the hand as we chat and laugh the time away, I’m just too chicken to chance looking like a fool and giving away too much of myself in the process. God is wooing me out of my closet and into the life He’s called me to live—one I’m perfectly content to look a bit foolish living if it makes Him a tiny bit more famous.

Having only just discovered the Lord’s movement to break down the barrier I’d been hiding behind, I wasn’t expecting the prompting He placed on my heart. I certainly wasn’t looking for something so profound, but there it was, and it happened at Walmart!

In fairness, I practically live at Walmart, so where else was it going to happen?

The place was swamped. I made my way toward the checkout lanes with a sigh as I equipped myself to take it all in stride. There ahead, a woman wrapped up her payment and I dashed toward the empty conveyor belt. Stopping to snag my sweetie an orange Fanta from the cooler, I thanked God for giving me some small way to tell my husband he is loved.

Once the cashier had finished with the customer ahead of me, she greeted me that same small greeting you’re sure everyone is trained to deliver though so few actually do. I extended the same courtesy she had shown me, and replied. She looked me square in the eye and thanked me for talking to her.

The way she said it said so much.

Then it happened.

That look-like-a-weirdo moment I’d always wished for and away all at one time—God told me to ask if I could pray for her. Right then. Right there. Ask her, this total stranger just trying to do her job, if I could pray for her.

The weirdest part? I didn’t even hesitate! I can’t say enough how not like me this was.

Please know that it is God alone that made me woman enough to “man up” to the task!

Naturally, the cashier was surprised by my question, but she didn’t skip a beat in answering. After simply saying, “Yes,” she paused for a moment as we stood looking at one another.

We both knew there was more to follow, though I don’t think either of us expected what she’d say next.

“Yes. My daughter just died two years ago; you can pray for me.”

There just aren’t words to fit the emotion in her eyes. All I could do was take her by both hands, look straight into her sweet face and let her know beyond all doubt that I would be praying for her.

On my way home, the Lord gave me such a vivid illustration to go along with the lesson He had began teaching me in that checkout lane. As one car after another slowed down in effort to look out for a gnarly, mangy old stray dog weaving his way in and out of traffic, I couldn’t help but wonder why we never slow down that way for the woman at the post office, the guy ahead of us in line at the bookstore, or even the cashier at Walmart.

Who knows how many stray people we zip past in our daily lives?

God does, that’s exactly why He prompts us to do the seemingly strangest things!

It’s a beautiful burden our Heavenly Father has placed on us, to care for one another!


A big thank you to Victoria for spending some time with us. To add to her fabulous-ness, she is giving away a year subscription to Hope for Women magazine. Check it out! Leave a comment below, and on Tuesday we will randomly draw a name.

Salty Conversation

For our first official guest post, I am honored to introduce a dear friend of mine. Along with our love for writing, we also have sons born only a month apart who have the same name. Small world, huh? Please join me in welcoming YA author, Stephanie Morrill.

Stephanie Morrill is a twenty-something living in Overland Park, Kansas with her husband and two kids. Her only talents are reading, writing, and drinking coffee, so career options were somewhat limited. Fortunately, she discovered a passion for young adult novels a few years ago and has been writing them ever since. Stephanie is the author of The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series and is currently working on other young adult projects. To check out her blog and read samples of her books, check out www.StephanieMorrillBooks.com and www.GoTeenWriters.com.


I’m a huge fan of salt.

I’m even kinda picky about my salt. I use Diamond Crystal’s Kosher salt and even drive to a specialty spice store here in Kansas City to purchase it. I use it for everything. Baking, cooking. You know, your basic salt needs. I’m fascinated by how many recipes call for salt. Ever made chocolate chip cookies and left out the salt? They don’t taste quite as good. They lack dimension. Same with blueberry muffins. I made that mistake a few weeks ago, and the muffins just tasted flat to me.

This has left me sensitive to every mention of salt in the Bible, and during my reading time on Monday, I came across this beautiful passage:

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6

As I mulled this over, my eyes kept catching on Paul’s use of “seasoned with salt.”
My mother is a fabulous cook, but I can remember two meals that were utter failures. The time she fixed shark (no comment) and then the time she made what we refer to as “the salty soup.” I don’t know what exactly happened there, but I remember taking a bite and the salt overwhelmed my mouth. It was the only bite I took, and then we all ate peanut butter and jelly for dinner.

But to season is to heighten and perfect the flavor. And it’s different for each taste bud, which I suppose is where Paul’s “so you may know how to answer everyone” thing comes into play. Because everyone is at a different place in life, has a different family history, different religious background. That must be taken into account. As Paul says, “we must be wise in the way you act toward outsiders.”

I love this verse. As a woman who’s jammed her foot into her mouth aplenty, I aspire to become known for graceful, well-seasoned conversation.


Wow! Something to think about. Thank you, Steph! Now, we want to hear your thoughts. Steph is giving away one of her books, so leave a comment below and we'll draw a random name on Saturday.

Power to Empower

I love the word EMPOWER. I hear it, speak it, and I can feel my body preparing to stand, to move—it’s action. That’s what empowering is—giving someone the power to move from their present being/circumstance to another (hopefully better).

The dictionary definition of “empower” is to give power or authority to, or to enable/permit. To give power or authority over… To enable or permit… An act of giving to someone else. Like a parent empowering their teenager by handing over those precious car keys. Like a principal empowering a student with the gift of a well-earned diploma. Like a woman empowering another woman with a few words of encouragement and advice.

What do these three things have in common?

They all open up possibilities to the other person. We all know the saying that knowledge is power, but that’s not exactly true—it leaves out the middle man. Knowledge creates possibilities. It’s what you do with those possibilities that’s gateway to power over your own life.

About a year ago, my hubby and I decided to homeschool our kids. Neither of us were homeschooled, and quite honestly we hadn’t really been exposed to it within the circles of our friends. But we made that decision and I took a timid step forward. What next? Where did I go from here? So many choices, so much red tape. Lucky for me, several women had started blogs for homeschooling moms. I merely had to traipse through their archives to find a wealth of knowledge and guidance. These wonderful women helped empower me. They gave me the knowledge to see what our family homeschool could be like—the possibilities. They educated me to make the right choices for our family. I now have confidence in my decisions and look forward to spending time with my children every day.

Kimchi mentioned in her post last Monday that encouragement can reciprocate—by giving encouragement, you encourage yourself whether you mean to or not. The same with empowering. When you give another person the power to rise from their situation, you gain that same sense of confidence. Those homeschooling women had to do their own research in order to learn enough to post about their homeschools, which gave them their own power.

Now, please do not misunderstand me. Power can have such a negative connotation in today’s society. One of our goals is to break the shackles that society has placed on us. Power in our lives simply means that we make our own educated choices based on our own priorities/beliefs because we know who we are.

I know that I am a daughter of the mighty King. I know that Christ died so that I might live apart from this world. I am strong in my faith. I am a military wife, a mother to three, and a friend to all. But even I forget. Even I fall apart. I’m happy one minute, and sad the next. I am sure of myself but then I crumble under the weight of fear. I know I am loved, but sometime I feel so alone. Sometimes I need those extra words of encouragement, sometimes I need someone to remind me that I have the power to rise from my circumstance. Sometimes I don’t have that power because I lack the knowledge, and so am in need of someone to empower me.

It’s so nice that I know I have my husband, family, friends like Kimchi that I can turn to if I am less than I want to be. More importantly, I have a Savior to turn to. I know that I will be okay, no matter what happens.

What are your thoughts on empowering yourself and others?

Up this week, we have two guest posts from some awesome women who are also hosting equally awesome giveaways! Join us!

Dream a Little Dream.....( Giveaway Winners!!!)

Congratulations to Audrey and Jessica! You both won our giveaway for this week! Please e-mail me your personal information (Name, address) so that I can send you your book, Life Savors for Women.  Thank You for participating!

Please send it to: kimchilya4@yahoo.com

Happy Friday Ladies!

You are never too old to dream! Moishe Rosen teaches a one sentence mental exercise that is an effective tool to help people identify their dreams. Fill in the blank:

If I had____________________

I would____________________

The idea is that if you had unlimited time and resources, what would you do with your life? Go ahead, go crazy!

As most of you know, Ralene and I are Christian Writers. We both dream of taking the talents God gave us and encouraging women with our faith through writing. This blog is a small manifestation of the  bigger dream to come.   Also, Ralene is currently working on her dream of one day becoming a published fiction author and has been doing so for some time now.  I  too continue to take steps of faith daily.  In fact, this past week I entered my very first writing contest held by the Women of Faith International. This was  a huge step for me because in the past I would allow fear to hold me back. I feared failure.  However, I conquered my fear by taking  hold of  God’s promises and my destiny with faith!  Faith without works is dead just like works without faith is dead.  You need both to accomplish all that God has for you!

Encourage.Empower.Extend. was as created with your dreams in mind! Ralene and I want to encourage you in becoming the woman God created you to be.  So take out those dreams of long ago and allow God to rebirth them with new life so that they take on joy once again. All things are possible with God!

The Word of God says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy. (Proverbs 13:12) Be encouraged as you make your way through this Friday and into the weekend, knowing that God is your unlimited resource. In fact, He loves to birth dreams for those of us willing to have the faith to receive them!

What would you do if there were no limits on your life?

Thank you ladies for sharing the week with me and I look forward to getting to know you all more in the months ahead.  In the next couple of weeks, we will be having some special Guest Bloggers joining us  and more giveaways  to come, so keep in touch!

Dream a little Dream Today and Always…..Kimchi Blow

Eclectic and Passionate Me....( And a GIVEAWAY!!)

  

When I was younger; I was sitting in the living room with my grandfather watching the 1984 Olympic Games on television.  Mary Lou Retton was performing and won the All Around Gold medal in Women’s Gymnastics.  I turned to my grandfather and proudly stated, “I can do that, Grampa!” His response to me was, “I like your style girl, I like your style!”  In other words, I’ve always wanted to do something big one day to impact the world like Mary Lou Retton.  However, I have come far from those naive childhood dreams and learned to simply embrace who God called me to be.  I am not saying that I still don’t have dreams but what I’m saying is that I have found contentment and joy with my purpose in this world.

 If I had to describe myself, I would say, eclectic and passionate might be two words that best convey me.  I don’t have a specific style or way about me and I like having variety; so a little bit of everything works for me. Maybe that is why I can throw down on a buffet like no one’s business! I also tend to be the creative, free spirited type.  Of course, I have those days when my inner control freak emerges; I call it just being a woman. However, I found a perfect cure for that, a dose of chocolate and shopping; it works every time!   I am known to be humorous, serious, zealous and crazy all within moments of one another.  Believe me, there is no cure for this- I’ve tried!

By nature, I am an introvert and it takes everything in me to venture out and meet new people.  I prefer staying alone within the comfort of my home and remain there for weeks with no problem.  I love and live passionately! I am also a 39 year old military wife and an Army Veteran of six years. Yes, I got suckered into being all I could be.  I have four children, whose ages range from three to eighteen years old.  I have two beautiful girls and two fun loving boys.  My children have taught me a lot about love, grace and myself.   They are without a shadow of a doubt my greatest joys and I am and honored to be their mother. My husband, Craig, is a fun- loving, caring Military Officer who flies Black Hawk helicopters for the Army. He truly is my best friend and supporter in life.  Currently, we are stationed in Leavenworth, Kansas until he completes his Masters degree.  From time to time, God will open an opportunity for me to speak in various Christian communities where I enjoy one of my utmost passions, encouraging women in the hope of Jesus Christ and helping them reach their God given potential.  

Aside from my family, I enjoy writing, cooking, photography, reading, watching movies, lots of coffee and chocolate and let’s not forget -shopping! On occasion, I will try something out of my element, like running a half-marathon, going spelunking (cave exploring) or some other crazy goals I can muster up.  Adventure is something I love to seek after!   I only get those whims about once a year and as I get older they are becoming fewer and fewer.  

Some other interesting tidbits about me:

·         I LOVE the movie, The Sound of Music. (I pretend to sing like Julie Andrews..Not!)

·         I once played an extra in a movie called, “A Father’s Homecoming.” (I am still waiting for my Academy Award!)

·         My family is related to Martha Washington.

·          I once met Dennis Rodman in a local restaurant in San Antonio.( He was weird.)

·         I sometimes get suckered into shows like, “Hoarders” or” My Strange Addictions”.

·         I am known for the mysterious holes that appear in my t-shirts.(Don’t ask and I won’t tell)

 At the end of the day, I am just the typical stay-at-home mom who loves her family and enjoys beating her husband at board games (rarely happens).  You can find me most days with a cup of coffee in hand, blogging a way to my heart’s content while wearing some ugly sweats and possibly planning some fun with friends.  I am simple but yet complex and I’ve come to embrace who I am and more so Whose, I am.

What are your dreams? Please share your dreams with us and I will enter you into a book giveaway for Friday.  To double your chances, have a friend join our blog before Friday and credit you as the resource for joining our site.  Then, I will enter your name twice. If you win, both you and your friend will win a free book that I was able to be a contributing author to called, “Life Savors for Women.”

So, that’s a little about me…let me hear those dreams and meet your friends! :)