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Toodles 2013

What on earth makes time go so fast as we get older?  Sometimes I get scared because it seems like nothing is slow and treasured. Things that are not necessary take hold of us and we miss what we can never get back - what mattered.  

Thanksgiving taught me many lessons. I think this was the best of all Novembers. Did money fall from the sky?  No.  Notta.  Nope.  

We had a chance to help an organization in Houston serve a Thanksgiving dinner (the week before Thanksgiving) to tons of kids. The org is called Cornerstone Family Ministries and they just have what they do down.  I was so inspired and aware of how important it is to show up. This mattered. This blessed me. It was better than money falling peeps. Way better.  

We had dinner Wednesday night with family. It was wonderful of-course. Who can't enjoy great company, a fried turkey, all the stuff to go with it and a fire in the backyard?  #special

Thanksgiving morning we woke up and headed to another amazing organization called Champions4Hope. This one got us all. We didn't have any idea that we would meet someone we can't shake out of our hearts. 

Our first "customer" was on the streets cleaning windshields. It was freezing outside. We made his plate and typical me got real nosey. 

How old are you?  24

Right there - STOP. 24 years old. This was my son's age.  He became personal and human and not a "homeless person". We noticed he had on a paper hospital outfit. He explained a car had hit him the week prior. He had spent 3 says in the hospital. He showed us the stitches and bruises. We were jaw dropped.  I didn't care that he had been drinking. I cared that this precious, young man had no id- no ss card- no clothes but a paper hospital outfit and a jacket with a girl's name on it. How could addiction do this to someone?  How could the enemy lure someone to this life?  

We left to serve others but this boy stayed on our minds. We found a dollar store open after my sister in law felt she needed to buy a collar and leash for one of the dogs on the street. :). 

  My daughter found sweats and said "let's get these and give them to Zachary". We bought the sweats, t shirt and socks. When we got back to the spot we were serving, my husband asked if we got socks. I told him we had but they were for Zachary.  My husband asked if we had ONE pair to give. There was a man standing with my man waiting on just that - a pair of socks. Again- how can anyone choose this life? Did they choose it?  I can't say loud enough - NO!  No one looks in the mirror and says to themselves "I can't wait to be so addicted that I give up everything to live on the streets". 

We found our Zachary hours later.  He was limping car to car washing windows. I swear we were so happy we could barely stand it. We all yelled "ZACHARY". He finally heard, saw and struggled across the road. We gave him the bag and showed him the clothes. He ran in the gas station and came out all spiffy!  We yelled WOOOO HOOOO!  We were so happy. You know what that boy said to me?  He said "thank you mama"

I immediately said in shock, "

did you just call me mama?"  He told me he did. I said, "I am mama"

I cannot thank Jesus enough for taking some of my Heart of stone and replacing it with some compassion.

 Everyone needs compassion.

Possessions!

Month 3 of the book 7 - Possessions!  Hmmmmm

A group of serious but absolutely FUN girls meet every week and we pray, laugh, and learn the Bible together.

 7 has really opened up some communication like no other study (for me anyway).  We just completed the month CLOTHING.  The challenge was to take an inventory of our closets. I think when we shared our numbers, we were all a little embarrassed. The justifications were hillarious "hey I've been the same size for 15 years". "I included sweaters and jackets". "I only like 10 things". 😂. One of our girls is 18 and she alone only wore 7 articles of clothing for a week. Amazing!   I'm just saying this is a blast while eye opening. Had school been taught this way. . .not only would I have excelled but I also would have loved learning. 

Here we come month 3.  Hello possessions!  Take the challenge if you dare. Are you ready...

Give something away for 7 days. The item you give away has to be something you own. Pray about who you will give this possession to. Pray for the person who will receive it and then give it away. So one item a day for 7 days!  Please share photos or stories.  

This is a fun read and the challenges are fun but hoping and praying some compassion is stirring- the kind of compassion Jesus has❤️  

Hey... Nice shirt. Shut up

Page 67

 "I want to belong to a Christian community known for a different kind of beauty, the kind that heals and inspires. I can't help but remember how God made sure to mention He was plain and simple by human standards." 

Is 53:2-3

There was nothing physically attractive about Jesus. He wasn't rich or notorious, well-dressed or handsome. At first glimpse Jesus was forgettable, neither standing out for beauty or charisma.  Maybe this is why the widow and marginalized and sick and outcast flocked to Him. He was approachable in every way

Nuff blogged

Clothing baby!

Ok .... This is definitely my issue: status quo or being super cute or an all out change of style requiring all new clothing!  If I get a new hair cut, I go drastic which requires new -and I mean ALL NEW -earrings, lipstick color and clothes.

Here we begin month 2 in the book 7 by Jen Hatmaker. You ready?  

I have to be excited because page 48 had my immature sense of humor thrilled. I read it over and over and never did it become one drop less funny.  When I read it outloud, the listener doesn't laugh which is clearly evidence you had to have been there - or in this case. In the book.

But I want you to try 2 things before you start reading:

1. Pray for what God wants you to learn

2. read Mark 6:21-30

 Ok 3 things..

3.  I want you to go in your closet and count how many pairs of shoes, shirts, pants and purses you own. Take the inventory and let me know what you think about this- please :). 

I'm so anxious to hear from you. Are you attempting 7 items of clothing for a week?  There are other ways to try this. For instance, take a plastic grocery bag and fill it up. That's what you wear for a week. 

Whatever you do, stay on focus. This isn't about cleaning out and simplifying nearly as much as it is to relate to those so much less fortunate. Let's try to avoid ever again comparing our value against someone who has more which only suggests we don't have enough.  We have enough sister.  We have enough to share :)

It is getting harder and harder to sit on my hands.  I feel so overwhelmed by the needs:
-the homeless
-the fatherless
-the underpaid
-the sick
-the unwanted
-the hungry
-the cold
Reality is to make a difference, we need God, People, Money.  If we have those things, we are ready to go in and defend the weak, needy, hungry and lonely.  I personally think,  above all else, the one who is unwanted must be in greatest need.  It's not fun being the one some are very embarrassed to admit they know - yuck.  But then the hungry hits me in the heart.  Cannot imagine being so hungry that to get through the day, my mom serves me a hot tea to quiet my hunger pains. 

Yesterday, I had a blast.  I went into the State women's prison with a mission group called Pro-Claim.    The first friend I made had come to serve alone - FROM MISSISSIPPI.  I told her she should get a present for the furthest person to travel.  I was floored by this. 

  We were both alone and I grabbed on to her.  I told the woman doing all the registration, "put me with HER" (my new friend).    I just saw a picture on social media of all counselors being told the rules before we go in the prison.  All faces are forward and listening to instruction while my own face is turned toward my new friend.  She shared with me how she had once been incarcerated.  I asked about 100 questions.  I was talking to a work of God.  It was so amazing.  She and I laughed and talked with tear filled eyes over what we were experiencing.  I was so comfortable being me that I ended up sort of teasing my new friend because she would get so emotional over every beautiful, glorious moment.  I spent 12 hours basically with my new friend. 

We went into the prison and met countless guards and inmates.  It is hard to explain, but we all "meshed".  There is something about having no purse, cell phone, earrings or anything that makes a statement of what class we are in. The guards treated us very kind and while following all rules, still made us feel like we count.  I never felt like anyone thought we looked foolish.   We were all women, mamas, daughters, with hearts that ache over our guilt and shame. 

I shared tears with a woman who has a 4th grade education.  I shared tears with someone in constant agony over her past with demonic issues.  I listened.  I didn't approach anyone without simply getting to know them.  When we stop fake altogether and just look into someone's eyes and listen - we stop judging real quick.  We start learning.  We begin to see why Christ wanted us to care. 

It didn't take long for God to put a finale - God sized - on my day.  One of my new friends was a counselor too.  She and her grandmother came together.  They are from the Austin area and we simply connected.  In fact, I will be in touch and want her grandma to be my own.  You know how it goes, all a trip- a really special trip.  I told this new friend how Jen Hatmaker is inspiring me more than anyone I think ever has.  This girl sort of freaked out in awe and said, "It's no coincidence you and I just met - I do her daughter's hair"

I'm trying to wait at least 24 hours before I email my new friends.  I made it clear they are stuck with me.  They are. 

On to the book....7, Jen Hatmaker  reminds us of what Christ taught:

The least shall be the greatest.
Blessed are the meek
Humble yourself like a child.
Sell all your things and give to the poor.
Don't gain the world only to forfeit your soul.

I want to simply say that today, very few - (I even mean some in the church) will actuallysupport living as Christ taught us.  Several comments will hurt, to be honest as you share your commitments to take on issues of injustice - especially if it means literally taking on - not just writing a check.

I cannot think of a better ending to my attempt at a blog, book club, and weekend than to quote what Christ said was living the life of a true follower than this:

"Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.  For I was hungry, and you fed me.  I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.  I was naked, and you gave me clothing.  I was sick, and you cared for me.  I was in prison, and you visited me"

Day 2

Plans and specs of a sandwich.... Interesting and mouth watering!! :)

Several things the author says on pages 23 (immunity to sermons), page 24 (the study of God's word has a goal) - just to name a couple, would not be easy to publish. I think some resentment might be expected or some good ole fashioned words like blasphemy might happen. But the whole truth is.... IT IS TRUE.  

I watched a live58 movie online and my overall eye opener is --Jesus Christ, The son of God, came to this earth poor. He loved and lived among the sin sick, diseased, cast out, poor, demon possessed and so on. He had so many warnings for us regarding money.

I challenge you to go deeper and read Matthew 19:16-22.  Find out how a man who was doing so well with the rules  and even asked what more he could do, received a puzzling response from Jesus (vs 21)

Share thoughts and let's roll on to page 31 tomorrow. If anyone wants to take the lead tomorrow then jump in and take it!

Day 1

Love page 16 conversation with coffee!  I soooooo get that!

This was just a start but I already love that she learned flavor is simple and no sauce needed!  

The email from her husband is hilarious!  

Thoughts?

Here is a text sent to me today based on the fast Kim outlined for our group-

"Instead of beans, can sweet potatoes be 1 of my foods lol I just really want some sweet potatoes"

:)

See you tomorrow... Read page 17-25 and let's do this!  7 baby!

INTRO

We should all be "intro complete" tonight. This takes us to page 11.

  I love the way the entire idea of 7 was birthed. I can hear such humility and a desire to simply repent in this fast and experiment.  I bet no one (counsel) had a clue this would be so inspiring. I thank God I ever found out about this because it began to educate me on things that I literally feel sick over because truth is..."things" have  had me -BIG TIME.

So what grabbed you?  Do you feel like you want to tackle each month in your own experiment?  Are you in a group reading this together or are WE the group?  Love it if this is a place you feel welcome and included because you so are.  My prayers for you will not stop as we do this together. 

I think my favorite part of this introduction into the  book, is the eye opening realization of what is the world's avg income. Who am I comparing my stuff to in order to decide who is wealthy or what I should have to be in style?  YUCK.

 Am I an excessive person?  I can say in lots of areas my parents raised a very simple girl. I have zero clue of the brands others see significance in. I'm not at all ashamed to have no make up on and most often I wear a non fitted t shirt and flip flops. I'm extremely loud and have a very immature sense of humor. But truth be told- I have faith that is based on the good things God has given me. If a tornado were blowing through my house - I have no idea how I would respond. I have excess beyond excess. I trust in the American way and that means THINGS and STUFF make a man. Ewe. 

But... I am learning. I am learning that I should not blog because I don't check my spelling and could care less if sentence structure exposes my former grades.

 I went to foster training last weekend because I'm learning I am so wanting to welcome a child while helping parents regroup and get ministered to so they can all be together.

 I ate Kale salad which should have gagged me but it didn't.  Don't know why I said that but feel super proud I did something so veggie. 

  I have women over every Tuesday evening and although I want it warm and cozy - I no longer freak that the throw pillows are not positioned just so. I want my girls there sharing our love for Jesus not my idea of clean.   I want friendships and relationships and crying and laughter and real.

Let me know your thoughts. This is no group at all if I'm the only member. :)

a TRUE fast

First of all let me say I'm on my cell phone- so give extreme typos grace LOL.

Ok - just got off the phone with a precious girl given grace (and let me tell you - this girl I'm talking about GIVES grace and I love that so much about her).  Any who- she was at Lifeway buying her book!!  YAY!  She suggested a weekly conference call. I love that. If anyone wants to do that I think its great. 

Be the leader. All a leader does is say "BRING IT ON", so don't fear that. Its just the one who insists it happen. That's it!  A "facilitator"  is a better word for a leader in this setting. So don't shrink back and assume you aren't good enough. Believe me YOU have what it takes and YOU are by no accident or coincidence in this. Can you imagine if Paul said "well I have just messed up too big to be used"?  Um can I just assure you he messed up big time and was murdered for absolutely surrendering his life to Christ!  Sorry peeps -  Our messes and failures and sin have us humble and relatable and spill out grace to others.   Let's face it - those who need grace are some of the sweetest encouragers we know.  Those of us who need extra grace know to give it in extra doses!

Drum roll.. Or jaws music.. 

TODAY you need your book. 

Read the intro through page 10.

Go to you tube and get to know Jen Hatmaker. Several videos of 7 interviews and precious videos of her adopting 2 children. 

Kim will be telling us her rules for a 7 day fast soon. This will be the first week which is food excess. Kim has a reason behind the choices she made so we can identify with 3rd world countries and poverty. 

You and your group can modify and do how you wish but please let us know how you are doing.  Laughter is definitely a must. Funny rocks period. I've learned we can inspire to the bone while laughing!  

I'm so excited to see where God takes you in your journey. I will be praying continuously for a cause to become yours to make a change.  James 1:27-28 and Isaiah 58 are OUR mission. One thing is certain - we are the wealthiest, most educated, and most resourced women in the world. Now may our hearts break for what breaks the Lord's heart so we can use these resources for eternity!  YOU are the one needed-

See you tomorrow right here!

Toodles!

7 days to 7

Do you have your books?  7 by Jen Hatmaker

Have you read Isaiah chapter 58?

Have you joined this blog and grabbed friends to be part of this?

Countdown BABY to our own experiment 

A very good friend has highly recommended this to watch ASAP. Let's do it

http://www.live58.org/watch-the-film

Just got a heads up from week one boss, KIM on her 7 food rules for our excess experiment. Let's just say laffy taffy, foo foo coffee drinks, cookie dough are just a few items NOT on the list. In addition- one small grocery bag should do it for the ENTIRE WEEK of food options. Options is way to strong of a word. But I don't have time to search for a better word.  

Posted a pic of Annette who will rule the week on media

Meet KIM

This is KIM aka "THE boss of week one". 

7!

The countdown begins.  Cannot believe November is just about here. 

TODAY - subscribe to the blog

TODAY - Invite others to join us

THIS WEEK - go get your book 7 by Jen Hatmaker (or download)

Are you ready?  This is going to be a blast!  We are going to do this together. 

In all seriousness, I want you know that I am pursing YOU.  This is a group you are part of and welcome.  We are going to laugh and we are going to be rattled and awakened to some reality we all need.  Our perception of how much we have will more than likely be changed - forever. 

OK - here is what we do TODAY.... Pray for understanding and Open your Bibles or Bible Ap to the book of Isaiah, Chapter 58 - read it.   Post any thoughts.

I'm soooooooo excited to hear from you and your friends!

Too much

I was at a thirty-one party recently.  My friend that was hosting the party shared with me a book she was reading.  If someone described me, they would say I'm really, REALLY,  LOUD!  I am and I own it.  But what makes me so loud is that I am a little well... off.  Some would argue downright out to make any and all situations pee in your pants funny.  Any who, when she told me this book had her rolling.... I had my daughter drive in a down pour, about an hour from my home (that is the nearest bookstore), at about 11:00 PM -(did I mention in the rain) and get ME this book.  To be honest, once I read the intro, I could not put the book  down.  I would read some pages over and over again.

  I suggested to someone at work this very book and they made fun of me saying,  "the book must not be that good if I'm only a quarter into it."  But this read was like that.  I would read a couple of pages, laugh my butt off, call my husband to hurry up and get where I was reading all to read to him what had me rolling.  Then I would text my BFF and tell her to GET THE BOOK.  Then I even read to some of my co workers.  One page would be read over and over and over again.  It was just flat out funny while inspiring me like I have never been before.  My world was sort of coming undone - yet I was laughing.  Let's face it.... that's talent when you can basically show me my excess in every single area ever, and  cause me to not feel so  good about that all -  while laughing hysterically at words like "doo doo" mentioned in the book. 

Let me introduce the book 7, by Jen Hatmaker.  Jen is an Austin, Texas girl.  Don't you love that right there?  TEXAN BABY!  She is radical, hilarious, blunt, and not playing when it comes to making a huge difference to a hurting world. 

Having said all this.... I will now make my point (YAY)!!!!!!  November 7, this blog will be the home of the "no matter where you live, get involved, blog baby blog, group reading of 7 by Jen Hatmaker"

In my area, we do a lunch hour Bible study once a week.  We bring lunch and all meet for an hour.  We have done Beth Moore and Angela Thomas studies

The first week of November.... November 7 (get it...7), this blog is ALL OF OURS.  Please don't be a bummer and not do this with all of us.  YOU are a huge part of this.  Make no mistake, we need YOU. 

OK so here are the "instructions":

Each day come on the blog as there will be some prep work as we get ready to read and talk together each week in November and December.  This starts November 7 - but really it begins NOW. 
TODAY
-Subscribe to the blog. If you are the least bit uncomfortable with blogging,  don't worry about using your real name.  You can be a blog name of your choice.  You can also deactivate the blog when this ends.  I have a feeling you will like it though


 log into:   www.girlsgivengrace.blogspot.com
"click" on the google account button under comments.
This takes you to the google sign up page.  Do a quick google sign up.  This is where you put your user name and upload a picture if you want.  There is even an ap to get this on your mobile device and it's VERY USER FRIENDLY once you have an account set up. 

This completes the blog subscription.

TODAY

Invite some women to join you in this "interactive study"


GET READY

Think about a group to meet up and blog together.  I want DETAILS.  For instance, each week our work, lunch-hour bible study group has assigned a person to each week.  So Kim will be making our rules the very first week as together, we will do the 7 food choices.  I said WEEK - not the 30 days Jen Hatmaker did : )  Z will take lead of the week on clothing and set our rules for that week fasting experiment.  Annette is taking the media week and setting the rules up for that chapter - YIKES! 

These are simply ideas.  You can go at this considering US as your group!  That's what I love.  NO matter where you are, you are a mobile device away from your team of girls given grace experimenting with excess and what the Lord says to each of us - while we laugh... remember that!

Remember also, that you matter - BIG TIME.  What you may share here,  could be a connection with someone who needed you.  That is why I say, please get in this journey. 

So join/subscribe and invite others.  See you right here with more details.  ARE YOU IN?

 
This is what the book looks like. 

#Imatreehugger

OK so its official!  WE ARE tree huggers!  This is such a blast. I can't stand to see someone trash a can or the endless paper at work (which I take so I can recycle)

 Our recycle bin is already full at home - and they just picked it up yesterday!  And the garbage disposal is no longer on my wish list. Not when I can take my coffee grounds, egg shells and the endless produce and food that gets wasted down the drain and turn it instead into rich compost that provides nourishing soil to our plants and garden. JT said to me last night, "I'll be sure and bring home manure". I was thrilled. He has his horses which happen to provide a rich ingredient to the compost - doo doo!  LOVE THIS!  Nothing wasted and all reused. Don't know if I will ever be the same again. I hope not-

VENTING!

My random thoughts of the day as usual are 90 to nothing, non stop, all over the place so I decided to title this "venting" - (not winning)... venting.

  Isaiah 58 is speaking louder than words.  I can't stop reading it over and over.  The instructions are so specific and direct.  I went on google, etsy and pinterest and searched Isaiah 58.  I can't guess an estimate of any accuracy so lets just say "very few" things came up that surround this  chapter in the bible.  Most- and I do mean like MOST of the things that came up were beautiful pictures and craft ideas that stated verse 11 "The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring".  Beautiful isn't it?
  My beef is that this absolutely gorgeous verse is taken apart from the first 10 verses.  Where is the beautiful picture of the first part which says in vs 6, "No, this is the kind of fasting I want:  Free those who are wrongly imprisoned, lighten the burden of those who work for you.  Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.  Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.  Give clothes to those who need them and do not hide from relative who need your help".  

Looking at my own life, I feel so thankful He has so much to show and teach me. I know what He is showing me isn't to make me feel like a lost sheep.  He is educating me on the Kingdom.  I tend to go off what I hear instead of what I researched myself for my own interpretation.   But I also see in me such a lack of compassion of what truly matters.  I am by no means a wealthy person.  But compared to whom?  I have such a stance on abortion but why am I not providing a home for a girl to carry her baby to term?  I not only have more than I need so that I can give away what I do not use any more  - but I have money whether I want to admit it or not to help someone get something new to wear.  It all comes down to a choice - who will I spend it on?  James 1:27 summarizes as well.  I have a very dear friend that has James 1:27 on an easel in her kitchen.  LOVE.

I am so inspired by those who have decided they will make a difference on this earth even though it will definitely cost them something or things.  It will no doubt cost money, time, lack of sleep, stress.  But what else will it do?  According to vs 11 - it's worth it. 
The picture I am posting here came off Pinterest.  It was my favorite ever result of my search of Isaiah 58.  God Bless You. 

FRIDAY! Happy! Happy! Happy!

It sure is Friday and I sure am happy.  But I'm also hit hard in the suffering that goes on in this world. I think on  the "me" and "I" and not the "we".  The quickest way for me to get past my own past shame is to get busy in the life Christ has now shown me to live.  He rescued me. He brought me out of darkness no one should find ok.  But He is showing me that with this life comes responsibility - and it's not one bit what would be considered "normal".   This is radical, intense and goes against what the billboards, commercials, or  people tell me is truly living.  I am so thankful my husband and adult kids have been there for me through the sick, thick and thin.  The support and encouragement they have given me has been a role model of forgivenss that I can barely type here.  Without their love and forgiveness I just don't think I could have made it.  Today I want to think about the children with no home.  The children unprotected.  To be noticed might mean their very life later. 

This is one of those days my brain is going NON STOP!  I have my grand precious on my mind.  Everything he does I want to video and then show you, my family, my friends and complete strangers.  I sent a few pics to a relative via text and she responded "thanks for sharing"   Thanks for sharing?????  Are you kidding me?  Who says that when I just text messaged the most adorable pictures ever of the cutest thing I know?  Thanks for sharing????  I mean I was steaming for at least a couple of hours over this.  I shared this story with a home Bible Study group I happen to love very much called..... you guessed it!  GIRLS GIVEN GRACE!  We all cracked up for several minutes because some super wise,  older women are in our group and they were totally confused why on earth this was any size of a deal with me.  They asked me, "what is wrong with that" (seriously??? ???)  Are you kidding me?  What is WRONG WITH THAT?  I let them know that is rude-o.  They laughed again ya'll.  I mean out-loud, busting out laughter!  These women  let me know this is all they can do to keep up with our fast and furious world of instant, text messaging.    Oh, and they let me know that it probably took this person several minutes to even type out "thanks for sharing" - LOL!    I never thought of that.  I told these women you have to at least put a smile face or something of appearing like you love what was sent.  It's my GRAND PRECIOUS for goodness sakes.  I kid you not, these women are going to start adding a smile to their texts.  They had no idea and even worried if their own daughter in law or daughters might feel like I do.  It was so funny.  Who has a conversation of text messaging etiquette?  I DO! 

Jen Hatmaker - Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering?

Jen Hatmaker - Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering?

Lunch hour Bible study

Have you considered facilitating a lunch hour Bible study?  I have just packed this favorite thirty one product up with 7 layer dip in Dixie cups- Rice Krispie cupcakes and of course our study teaching DVD!  I would love to help you get a lunch hour Bible study going

sacred secrets Bible Study

Tonight some Girls Given Grace had a home Bible study. This group is growing and is now even part of a mission project (thus the boxes in pics). Any who - we have completed week 3 of Beth Moore's sacred secrets. Please ask if you would like tips to have a home group

Girls Given Grace

Hey y'all! 

7

Reading 7 by Jen Hatmaker right now.  Have you read it?  Really inspiring story that has me cracking completely  up and seriously challenged at the same time. Thoughts are swirling around my head wishing I could master the idea  so that I could also simplify things and be more giving, grateful and generous.