(in) courage

(in)courage
Well. You may have already heard the buzz of excitement hovering around the blog-world this week. If not, let me tell you what the buzz is all about: It is about courage. It is about our girl-made mess and the God who redeems it. It is a place to be inspired, rejuvenated, and accepted.
So what is it? Well, on Monday August 10th, you can see for yourself. For now, check out http://www.incourage.me/ for a preview. The girls at Dayspring (a division of Hallmark) have been tirelessly working to launch a new site for you and me, a place to call home.

Flatirons

So Shaun and I have spent some time searching

for where the Lord wants to use us next.

We have visited many amazing churches

and have experienced some great worship!

Our hearts are still searching, but I thought I

would share with you all my favorite thus far.

We showed up at Flatirons Community Church

during their Locked Up series and

Pastor Jim Burgen happen to be speaking on our first Sunday.

I must say, I was impressed with

how real he was, yet so true to the Word.

I am providing the link to the website because

even the bloggers who live away from

the Denver area can download all sermons on podcast

...and believe me, it is worth it.

You will be fed! No matter where you are!

http://www.flatironschurch.com/messages/locked_up/06.20.09/index.html

The Natural Life!

Today I went to the Family Christian Bookstore in Merriville with my husband.

We had a great time shopping and I discovered a new favorite line of products. Welcome to the natural life products!!

Give.love.laugh.

It is that simple!!

And it is all about God!!

Aprons!!

Give. love. laugh.

Bible covers.
Give. love. laugh.





Hair pins.
Give. Love. laugh.
Why didn't I think of that?




Boho headbands!
Give. love. laugh.
Natural life.





Necklaces!
Yes, I did get one, but not this exact one.

May you always have an Angel by your side!!

I love that!

Little charms to carry on your journey!

Love them!

Give. love. laugh.

Love it!

Give. Love. Laugh.

They even had home stuff!

I was so drawn in!!

Natural life!

https://www.naturallife.net/default.htm

Encouraging Others

It is winter in Valparaiso. It is cold outside. I have found myself closer to the refrigerator and longing for sunshine! So I tend to look to things that make me happy...people!

I love people, all kinds! I think I love people because I do get so much encouragement and inspiration from all walks of life! I like to watch people interact with each other, their families and my kids!

I love real people, honest people and believe their individuality makes them unique. I want to teach my kids to respect all people.

I love to see people doing kind things for others and want to practice more kindness in my own life.

Because, ultimately, He has called us to be disciples and who could forget the GOLDEN RULE?

Sometimes, it is just enough to let someone know you are thinking of them, praying for them and everything will be okay!

(Props to Flickr)

Living in the Pasture

I loved our anointing service yesterday. Pastor Shawn Evans explained how the shepard would place oil around the eyes and ears of the sheep as a type of repellent in order to keep the bugs and disease away from the sheep. The oil had Healing Properties! As he asked if anyone would want to be anointed to come forward, the aisles were lined with people. I sat in my seat and thought of all of the hurts we all are carrying daily. My heart was touched by the longing for just His touch!

Psalm 100:3 .."we are the sheep of His pasture"

He is the Defender of the Weak! We are His!

Our disappointments and hurts do shape us.

In our discomfort, may we find joy!

He is the Defender of the Weak! We are His!

I am on my way to heaven!

I loved this picture I saw on Flickr today! I loved church today! I really got something out of it, maybe I listened closer...maybe I needed it more than normal.

Philippians 3:12

1. Let go of things behind us (don't hang onto the past; successes or failures)
2. Reach forward to those things which are before us!
3. Fulfill with Christ the things which are beyond us!

It is that simple! And what better words to start 2009 with! I have many things in my mind that I know I can control and I need to press on toward the goal! And may I always see heaven in the future!