Have you heard of Operation Underground Railroad- O.U.R? Dare I say I'm like the average American that gets so caught up in my life and my little bubble that I keep blinders on to what I allow in my life. Yesterday rocked my socks, in a good way. Fifteen minutes was all it took for my heart to be broken and tears streaming and the fire lit in me to do more, to be a vessel for God and to not just be a sidelines person. I implore you to listen to this. I don't care what way you lean on the political spectrum, If you allow yourself an open mind and heart, the first fifteen minutes will rock you too. So what is Operation Underground Railroad? It was founded in 2013 by Tim Ballard, a former Special Agent for Department of Homeland Security. He now serves as the CEO, Founder and Jump Team Commander in working alongside the world's experts in extraction operations and in anti-child trafficking efforts to bring an end to child slavery. So what is an Abolitionist? It is the terminology used by O.U.R. to make a commitment to make a difference - to donate monthly. Even $5/month makes a difference. If you're not able to donate financially, there are still other ways to make a difference in the numerous ways to volunteer. If you'd like more information, check out their website- www.ourrescue.org There was also a great article recently about a Utah family stepping out to serve in a big way too!. Check it out- here. In addition, there is a film- The Abolitionists which is about the rescue of 57 children from sex slavery and the arrest and incarceration of 7 traffickers. Watch the trailer. Matthew 25:40- Go be Holy.Be.Youtiful, friends!
0 Comments
It's probably more of a rhetorical question.
As I was driving and listening to a podcast (which I often do for personal development), I heard a question posed similar to this. It made me ponder the same for myself. There is the obvious- female, wife, mom, daughter, friend, etc........ and then there is the not so obvious to everyone.......dislikes seafood, loves brownies and donuts, enjoys thrift shopping, prefers showers over baths, has never had a pedicure....... All of the above make up parts of who I am BUT what defines me? Shortly after my first babe was born, hubby and I received a heartfelt card from someone offering words of wisdom. How motherhood (fatherhood too) can make you feel isolated, lose sight of who you once were, define you in a whole new way and you begin to find your identity in your child. We were encouraged in the card to continue to make other things a priority in the new season, such as our marriage. Those words have brought comfort to me over the years when I've had the mom-guilt with other competing priorities. One thing I'm certain of is that I'm not the same girl from 5, 10, 15, 20 years ago. There may be some underlying qualities that are the same but my opinions, viewpoints, confidence, self-image, interests, hobbies, priorities, etc. have all shifted in some degree. So as I thought about this question, my answer is simply, I am evolving. Each day is a fresh opportunity to mold who I am under the definition of whose I am. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and you, my friend, are too! <3 Have you been told that before?
You make comments like: I will never like fish, I will never have kids, I will never finish school, I will never get married..... I was recently in discussions with someone who has gotten a divorce with in the past few years and has been dating someone new for a couple years now. When the "marriage" topic would get brought up, the individual would always respond "I will NEVER get married again". Fast forward.... This individual has found they are happy. The person they are in a relationship with makes them happy. AND now plans on getting remarried. Often times the word "never" is a defense mechanism. It's a way to put up an invisible wall so defeat isn't so daunting. It becomes our "out" if something doesn't work out. I didn't complete that workout program because I said "I never would" I didn't lose weight because I said "it never works" I didn't get that job because I said good things "never" happen for me. Get my point? Listen to the words coming out of your mouth? Are they hindering you or empowering you? For you my friend are Holy.Be.Youtiful! From my family to yours..... Merry Christmas!
I pray your day is filled with memories that make your cup runneth over in abundance! May your lights shine bright, the carols be loud, the laughter be continuous and the food delicious! {{ Friday Challenge }}
Find someone to show kindness towards today! It doesn't have to be expensive- think word of encouragement, a smile, a hug, help loading/unloading groceries, opening the door, etc. Go see how many people you can make smile today! People won't always remember things, but they will remember how you made them feel. Make someone feel important, loved and like they truly matter. Go be Holy Be.YOU.tiful <3 The Mr. and I recently had the pleasure to attend a charity event in Dallas for Mercury One. It was a phenomenal experience to be a small part in making a difference in this world and to hear the life-changing stories that are taking place. Women and children being saved from sex trafficking. Persecuted Christians being rescued and relocated away from ISIS. Disaster relief in States.....the list goes on and on.
Mercury One is dedicated to providing love and aid to those in need. As believers in “malice toward none and charity for all”, the Humanitarian Fund enables Mercury One to support those who are in crisis situations. 100% of donations go directly to provide humanitarian aid and relief in the areas of: natural disasters, veteran support, Israeli humanitarian initiatives, human trafficking, and domestic abuse, as well as crisis support. If we want the government to do less, we need to do more for one another. www.mercuryone.org It's so easy to live in a bubble but getting the opportunity to serve others outside of the bubble is quite gratifying. This charity is one we truly believe in and stand behind. Most organizations have astronomical administrative overhead costs so the amount of your donation that actually serves is quite little. We love that 100% that is given to the Humanitarian Fund goes to the efforts! Make sure you do your research on whichever organization you give to! Also, it just so happens that we won a 7-night trip to the Caribbean on a raffle ticket. Saying we were shocked is probably an understatement but a great way to the cap the event! Without fail, before I creep into bed each night, I always sneak into my children's room for one last kiss.
I get lost just staring at their chest rising every so slightly up and down as they breathe. I think about how grateful I am that God entrusted their sweet souls to myself and the Mr. I adjust the blankets, kiss their face and whisper in their ear, "I love you". Without fail, without even waking up or opening their eyes, they whisper "I love you" back to me. It truly is the sweetest thing. You may not have a relationship with God. You may even not believe God exists. I get it. It's hard to "know" someone you can't physically see. BUT..... I want you to know the same care I have towards my children, God has abundantly more for me and for YOU. He sees what you're going through. In fact, he knew it would happen before you did, but he also sees what overcoming it will look like for you too! I just want to encourage you in whatever season you find yourself in...........maybe it's in relationships, health, work, finances etc that you find your struggle. Don't lose hope because for every valley, there is a mountain top just waiting for you to overcome! For you my friend are Holy Be.YOU.tiful. If I can pray for you, please send me a message! One of my daughter's sweet friends was diagnosed with Leukemia this past summer.
At any age, the "c" word is scary. The "c" word is the fearful unknown. Her family has handled it with such grace and determination that I am always left in awe at the post updates. It always helps to remind me that life is SO precious. That current "bad" days are minuscule. -The dishes didn't get done; who cares -The windows have fingerprints all over; who cares -The dog poop is still in the yard; who cares -The kids didn't get a bath; who cares -The bedtime was far exceeded; who cares -The customer service wasn't helpful; who cares -The recipe didn't turn out; who cares -The weather didn't cooperate with activity; who cares Get my point? Life is truly what we make of it. Recently, sweet Paislee had to get her head shaved. Her warrior Mom, was the best example of beauty to her daughter. She shaved her head alongside her. She my friends is Holy Be.YOU.tiful. I'd love for you to check out this warrior story: https://www.gofundme.com/penniesforpaislee "Breathe through the tension"
It was a line spoken by the trainer in my Core De Force workout. It made me think beyond the actual stretching move and realize how it's applicable to other areas. *Have you tried reaching for your toes and started to the feel the tension (if you're not flexible) and then without realizing it, you hold your breath? *Have you ever gotten into a disagreement with someone (for example, your significant other) and have been so frustrated that you walk away or let the frustration add to past frustrations? *Have you tried a new hobby/task and just can't quite get the hang of it so instead you're left feeling defeated and overwhelmed? *Have you felt so much confusion lately with the direction of our Country that you feel all hope is lost? *Have you gotten so derailed with your nutrition and workouts that you figure "this is just how you will be"? *Have you been to the doctor recently only to have been told news that wasn't favorable? I'm sure there are plenty more examples in all of our lives that are applicable. When we push past the point of tension is when we truly overcome. _Become more flexible _Communicate better _Find joy in a hobby/task _Realize Hope shouldn't be found in man _Get nutrition and exercise on track _Experience peace about situation I pray that when you face tension, you put into practice "breathing through the tension". For you my friend are Holy Be.YOU.tiful! Defeat is Optional.
This week my daughter mastered the monkey bars without assistance. She was beaming when she did it and was so excited to show me. We decided one night she would show me and I would record her to show Daddy. She rushed to the bars and I positioned myself with my camera to capture it all. She gave the look and she started to swing from bar to bar. She got about 3/4 across before she started to struggle. Eventually she fell. I stopped the recording and stood there to see how she would react. She started sniffling and it turned into tears. She felt defeated. She was embarrassed. She didn't want to try again. I had a great opportunity to love on her with encouragement but in that moment, it also made me realize that when we deal with our own defeat we often don't dust ourselves off and keep going. We too get embarrassed and quit. Has that happened to you? *You miss a workout. You feel defeated. *You lost your temper with your kids. You feel defeated. *You blew your clean eating with a bad meal. You feel defeated. *You are starting a new business. You feel defeated. *You had a different opinion from someone. You feel defeated. *You have to learn something new. You feel defeated. In those moments of defeat. Do NOT Quit! For you my friend are Holy Be.YOU.tiful <3 |
ABOUT MEI'm PASSIONATE about: Archives
March 2017
Categories |