Hearts at Home in Rochester, MN is this weekend

This weekend Bill and I will be attending the last 2009 Hearts at Home Conference.  What a wonderful blessing I have had leading workshops for this ministry.  Once again, I will be leading workshops on Recognizing, Recording and Remembering and The Joys of Mentoring.  There is still time to make plans to attend, visit http://www.hearts-at-home.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=629&Itemid=179 to learn more about this upcoming event.  Walk up registration is available!

If you are attending, please be sure to stop by our table and introduce yourself — I love to meet other Moms!  Please also remember Bill and I as we travel — we are excited because we are stopping by Chicago to visit a special Moody Bible Freshman on our way out and back.  I can’t wait to see her….

I will reconnect with you next week…

Blessings,

It is Autumn at our “Homey Home”

 

“Autumn, The year’s last, loveliest smile.”   

William Cullen Bryant

Welcome to our “Homey Home”  Come on in…

This is Mr Pumpkin – Bill and I bought him before we had children.  He is holding 2 acorns that a sweet little girl named Audrianna placed there years ago.

 

Our Write Plate will greet you when you enter — if I know you are coming, I will write your name on it.  I received this as a gift for speaking at a women’s retreat in Texas and I love it!  (Blessings Unlimited has a similar product title Memo Board with Easel, to see it visit http://sjoseph.blessingsdirect.com/Products/Directory/CUST043/ProductDetails.aspx?prodid=635& ) Notice the flower in the photo – a special friend brought those to me when I was not feeling well (thanks Paula, I am enjoying them very much — you are too sweet)

 

 

I have a corner counter in my kitchen that I enjoy decorating for different seasons.  This is the current display.  Don’t you love the fruit?  They Fruit of the Spirit Adornments from Blessings Unlimited.  There are 9 pieces of fruit, each with a different aspect of The Fruit of the Spirit, to see them visit http://sjoseph.blessingsdirect.com/Products/Directory/CUST043/ProductDetails.aspx?prodid=131&cid=200

On our table is a basket of gourds and indian corn (and usually an old dried gourd whose seeds shake inside).  Each year, I would always pull this dried gourd out and tell my girls that it was a rattle just like babies had on the Oregon Trail (As I child, I read a book about the Oregon Trail and this is the fact that I remember).   At any rate, I did not put it out this year, because there was no one to “show and tell” my story to.

 And finally in the fall at our home, you will always find apples (and apples sauce, apple crisp, apple pie, apple anything) from my favorite orchard – Peace Valley in Rogers Ohio (see last years post titled  Apples = A Fall Tradition ).  Holding the apples is the Blessings Unlimited Abundance Tray, seen here http://sjoseph.blessingsdirect.com/Products/Directory/CUST043/ProductDetails.aspx?prodid=696&cid=200.   This tray features the word Grace and the verse:

Grace and peace be yours in abundance . Peter 1:2

This verse  is my prayer for you this autumn time of year.  Come and spend some time – I promise I will show you the  famous Oregon Trail Gourd!

(To view the complete catalog of Blessings Unlimited products, visit http://retail.dayspring.com/Promotions/BlessCat_Current_Online.pdf)

MOPS Devotions – The Trouble with Holidays

For most families – this is one of the big holidays of the year. It is Halloween with dressing up, candy, parties, photo shoots and overstressed kids (usually high on candy).   Sometimes don’t we wonder why we do this to ourselves – I mean it is supposed to be for our kids right – but somehow we end overwhelmed by all of it. 

Do you remember reading the Berenstain Bear Book Too Much Birthday ?  In case you who did not have the privilege of reading this masterpiece, let me share the story.  Sister Bear is about to turn  6 years old and Papa decides to give her a birthday party she won’t forget – complete with a Merry Go Round, Pony Rides, lots of guests and a big cake.  Sisters Bear seems excited and then loses it at the party because it is actually too much celebration for her.  For some of your children and you too, the upcoming holidays are about to become “Too Much”!

Celebrations are good events created by God Himself.  In the Old Testament, God told His people to celebrate over and over again (at least 67 times in the NIV).  Today, we know some of these Jewish Celebrations – Passover, Hanukkah, Yom Kippur.   God wanted His people to remember and celebrate the amazing things that He has done for His people.

Today, our holidays are very much the same and yet different all at the same time.  Starting on New Year’s Day, we celebrate our annual holidays in our very American, commercialized way – decorating, candy, gifts and parties.   I have been amazed at how much pressure there is on Moms to do something special for each holiday for your kids, your home and your kid’s school.  For those of you who have kids in school – you know that there will be many treat bags full of expensive candy and trinkets – once again, more pressure on you (because who else actually creates all of these bags).

The holidays were created to recognize, remember and honor God’s gift of Redemption in our live.   But what should we do with Holiday Celebrations as Christians and Mothers of young (and even old) children. Here are several suggestions…

• Please make it as SIMPLE as possible (remember how overwhelmed sister bear was when she had too much birthday).  You know your children better than anyone else and what is an appropriate level of celebration for each child.  Some children just love interacting with others – others don’t.  Don’t force your child to do something that they are not comfortable doing.
• Teach your kids the real meaning behind each holiday and make that the focus of each celebration.

 Christmas is all about the birth of Christ – not Santa Claus.    We give gifts because God sent us the ultimate gift.  A great product to use for young children is the Really Woolly Happy Birthday Jesus Project, to view http://www.happybirthdayjesusproject.org/woollykids.php

Easter is all about the gift Christ gave us through His death on the cross. On this day we remember what He did for us –  something we could never do ourselves.  A great product to teach about Easter is the Family Life Resurrection Eggs http://www.familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.4970923/k.AC3F/Resurrection_Eggs.htm

Halloween is the eve of All Saints Day – teach your kids about some of the wonderful Christian people God has used to build His Kingdom.  To learn of available products visit Christian Books and search under Halloween.

Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks to God who gives us all things – He provides everything we need just as He did for the Pilgrims.  Check out Family Life’s resources on Thanksgiving http://www.shopfamilylife.com/thanksgiving-time-to-remember.html

Valentine’s Day is all about love – God originated love – it begins with his overwhelming love for us. Again there are a variety of products on celebrating and showing God’s love, visit Christian Books and search under Valentine’s Day for children.

• Finally as far as how your family celebrates the Holidays… it is not my place to tell you how your family celebrations should look.  There is a great resource titled Creating Family Traditions again found at Christian Books.   Each family’s decision about Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Halloween etc… needs to be made with your child’s temperament and your family goals in mind.  Pray about it, research what other families are doing, ask questions to families that you desire to model and then make your decision based on what God is calling you to do.  How our family celebrated each holiday, may not be right for your family.  What I can assure you is that God does calls us to celebrate, to remember and to rejoice in what He has done and will do. 

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
       his greatness no one can fathom.

 One generation will commend your works to another;
       they will tell of your mighty acts.

 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
       and I will meditate on your wonderful works. ^[b]

 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
       and I will proclaim your great deeds.

 They will CELEBRATE  your abundant goodness
       and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Psalm 147:3-7

Please feel free to share the ways your family celebrates the Holidays – we did this at our MOPS Groups and there were some great ideas shared.

Book Review: The Hole In Our Gospel

I requested this book because the author (Richard Sterns- President of World Vision) has experienced the world’s needs first hand.  Since our family has a passion for oversea’s mission’s trips, I was anxious to learn more about stretching my faith beyond the walls of my local church.

I loved the story of Richard Sterns’ call to World Vision – before he became the President of World Vision, he was President and CEO of Lenox.  He and his family were committed Christians and were active in their church and community.  They were living the “American Dream” of nice houses, cars, education and career fulfillment.  In the midst of all this – God called Richard to become the President of World Vision and for me this story alone made the book worth while to read.  I flew through the first chapters of his personal life story.

As for the rest of the book, I must admit that I have picked this book up over and over again, and had a hard time being drawn into the writing (which is unusual for me – especially when there are life stories).  The stories of human struggles are compelling – but no more compelling than what my family has seen in Africa or Latvia.  I do believe in his message that we must do more than just tell the needy that “they need GOd”, we  have to show our concern and love for their practical needs as well.  The Hole In Our Gospel is based on the fact that the truly good news for the world is meeting the needs of poverty, disease, and injustice with the complete gospel (caring for spiritual and physical needs).  Perhaps the problem is with me and the life events that were occurring for our family as I read this book.

I appreciate the fact that all the royalties from this book will benefit World Vision’s work with children in need.  And again, for me Richard’s calling to World Vision spoke strongly to me.  Once again, I was reminded that God never uses the people we assume He will – but He uses those who are ill equiped and dependent on Him.

In Honor of Our MOPS Group

Today at the Hearts at Home Blog, I posted a recipe to honor our MOPS group (Chippewa Evangelical Free MOPS).  This recipe made its first appearance 5 years ago when Jan (the Hospitality Coordinator) served it and it became a favorite of our group.  Please visit the Hearts at Home blog for this recipes along with  tips, articles and more on Mothering — http://www.hearts-at-home.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1333:recipe-pumpkin-bars&catid=131:recipes&Itemid=144

“MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom – urban, suburban and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single and married moms – moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs.”

“Hearts at Home is a Christ-centered organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood.”

The next Hearts at Home North Central Regional Conference is coming soon – November 6-7 at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, MN.  I will be leading two workshops on Recognize, Record and Remember and The Joys of Mentoring.  Make Plans to Attend Now, workshops are filling up fast ….. http://www.hearts-at-home.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=629&Itemid=179

Words from one of my mentors

I have been rereading one of Corrie Ten Boon’s books titled In My Father’s House which she wrote in 1976 after her popular book The Hiding Place (she actually wrote a number of books on her life experiences).  The premise In My Father’s House is that the years she spent in her father’s home and in relationship with her Heavenly Father prepared her for the work  God had for her during and after the Holocaust.  She is one of my mentors as I value her insight and faith in the Lord as she remained faithful through many difficulties. 

There have been several valuable quotes from Corrie that are worth sharing and pondering….

Why Remembering is so important:

“Today, I know that memories are the key not to the past, but to the future.  I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do.”  The Hiding Place

How her Father’s prayer life and  his legacy impacted her:

“Praying was never an embarrassment for us, whether is was with the family together or when a stranger came in.  Father prayed because he had a good Friend to talk over the problems of the day; he prayed because he had a direct connection with his Maker when he had a concern; he prayed because there was so much for which he wanted to thank God.  When Father talked with the Lord it was serious, but unpretentious.  He talked to Someone he knew .”  In My Father’s House

Trusting in the Lord:

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Clippings from My Notebook

Following God:

“If God has called you, do not spend time looking over your shoulder to see who is following.”

MOPS Devotion – Social Pressure on Planet Mom

 

The 2009-10 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Theme is

 

 This is my first devotion for our MOPS Group….

Social Pressures on Planet Mom

Please allow me to reminisce about my family for a minute.  Both of my parents were raised on farms during the 1930-40.  My Grandmothers started their married lives by either living with their in-laws or renting a few rooms from a neighbor.  They would spend their entire week on the farm, possibly leaving to go to church on Sunday.  They did not have a TV and only added a radio sometime after the depression.  Their days were filled with hard work and their evenings were spent with their family - talking, reading, and later listening to the radio.  Their only source of being aware of what was in style was when they received a Sears and Roebuck catalog.  Hard to imagine – isn’t it?

My Mom and Dad married and moved off of the farm in 1954. Mom worked as a bank teller until she had children.  She and my Dad added a TV to their home in 1957, the same year they had my brother.  Through the TV, the outside world came into their home – and my Mom could experience Jackie Kennedy’s style, commercials and homes such as Leave it to Beaver, where all the women wore dresses, aprons and heals.  My Mom had a car available to her at all times and could shop at the grocery store as often as she needed. 

In 1984 I had my first sweet baby girl, Alycia who is now about the same age as many of you.  We lived in a home in suburbia, 2 hours from my parents and 15 hours from my in-laws.  I was alone all day as all of my neighbors worked.  I had a TV, but did not have cable and we did not get a VCR or a microwave until 1987.   I had a car available and once a week, I would spend the day with a friend who also had a baby girl.  I talked on the phone to my friends a lot.  In 1998, we got our first family personal computer and thought that dial up service was amazing.  By 2006, our entire family each had their own phone and in 2008 everyone had their own computer.

How things have changed in 25 years.  Now as Moms you have the world at your fingertips – with the touch of a few keys you can be anywhere in the world.  You have every kinds of media available to you – especially to show you how to cook, decorate, discipline, dress, plan an event, etc.   Every day you leave your home to go somewhere and your kids are more active outside of your home, than my Grandmothers ever were. 

The social pressures on you and your family are greater than they have ever been in history.  Not only to you have to cook, but you have to cook amazingly  like Rachel Ray which means with evoo (extra virgin olive oil – I did not know about this until just a few years ago), your home has to be decorated like DYI, your nails have to be done, your hair has to have a bump (or be full, smooth and textured…), you absolutely must be thin and your children have to be the best at something (sports, reading, piano, …), your husband must be successful, your marriage has to be able have intimate relations like what are shown on TV/movies, and it would be great if you had a successful career as well – because everyone else has one.  And don’t forget keeping up with all of those friends on Facebook and Twittering too!

Ah, the social pressures of our world today – which are so different from my Grandmothers.  But, we live in today’s world and God has put us here for this time in this place.  He called you to be a mother in 2009 and so we must live now.  I want to encourage you to hang on to the truth of what God is looking for in a Mom.

When God was choosing David to be the next King of Israel, He sent Samuel to select the next King.  He went to David’s family and met all of David’s strong, successful brothers, but none of them were the one to be King.  Then Samuel asked if there were any other brothers and David’s father answered that there was still one more brother who was tending sheep.  So they sent for him and sure enough – the shepherd, David, was God’s choice to be King.

God had given Samuel these words before he met David …

 “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Unfortunately, today we value ourselves on ”the things man  looks at”, our appearance, our homes, our children and our successes.  But God looks at our hearts – He knows what is going on in our minds and our deep desire to look together.  But He also knows that the outward appearance is just a shell for what is happening in our minds.  And if we aren’t feeling good about ourselves on the inside – it will not help to look good on the outside. 

I know that most of your children have told you that you are pretty.  Even today my daughters still tell me that I am pretty.  I know that they love me because I am their Mom, not because I wear cool clothes or have great hair.  Your children see your real beauty because you are their Mom – and a Mom means secure love and acceptance – a safe place to be yourself. 

Your Heavenly Father provides the same secure love and acceptance.  Yes, He sees our insecurities and faults – but He loves us just the same and draws us to a relationship to Him.  He has known us since our creation, and even with each flaw – God has continued to love us.  We are safe when we are in His presence; there are no social pressures in His presence just safety.

So if the God of the Planet Earth can love us – we must then remove the pressures we place on ourselves and families and embrace who God has created us to be. 

You are Valued 

You are Accepted

You are Loved.

“The LORD appeared to us in the past,  saying:
       “I have loved you with an everlasting love;
       I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”  Jeremiah 31:3

 

The view from my window

This is the view from my upstairs window and in every season, it is enjoyable.  I must walk by this window at least a  dozen times a day, always first thing in the morning and on my way to bed each night.  This fall I have watched the leaves turn color on the 3 oak trees outside my front door and it has reminded me of this fact ~ the beauty of autumn comes after the harsh weather occurs.

Years ago, on a field trip with one of my daughters, I remember learning that when the leaves turn from green to their beautiful fall colors, the color the leaf turns is actually its true color. (If you truly want to understand what happens – visit http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html). 

It is only after the cooler weather of fall, shorter days of less sunlight and the autumn rain occurs that the leaves turn their true color – the leaves have to go through the fall weather to be their most beautiful.  And now, after the cooler temperatures and rain – the amazing fall colors bring glory to God’s creation!

And how like that is with my life, the storms of life rage – the wind, rain and cool temperatures are all around. Yet it is all to bring God glory, to revel His power and majesty through my life.

The view from my window is lovely, I am enjoying each day the golden leaves hang on the trees.  It is simply amazing beautiful here in Western Pennsylvania.  The view of my life is the same – I am hanging on while the Lord does the work required to bring Himself glory.

 

“The LORD our God has shown us His glory and His majesty, and we have heard His voice from the fire.

Deuteronomy 5:24

A Special Time with the Salvation Army Women Officers of Western PA

In Mark 6: 1-6, Jesus went back to His hometown and found it difficult to minister to those who knew Him.  I had a completely different experience this past week when I had the priviledge to minister in my home area.  The Western Pennsylvania Salvation Army Women Officers invited Merry Graham of A Passion to Pray and I to speak at their retreat.  Kim Bolton was also with us in the evening, sharing her gift of music.  What a wonderful experience we had with these women.  The Lord presence was definitely with us.

I love the Salvation Army women – they are such a special group of women.  We typically only see these women in their official uniform serving in our communities.  But it is a true joy to get to know the women beyond the uniform and to find Moms, Wives, Daughters of the King just like us.  

The theme of the retreat was Joy for the Journey and the theme verse was ” I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”  John 15:11.  This event was surrounded in prayer before, during and after the event – and the Lord answered the prayers that were offered.

One really special time of the retreat was while I was speaking openly about some of the struggles occurring in my life, one of the women came up and prayer over me.  It was a special anointing from the Lord at that moment to continue to share of my trust in the Lord even when I am struggling.  I have never had that happen before and it was a sweet gift of encouragement.

Here are a few photos from the retreat..

 

My opening Power Point Slide on Recognize, Record and Remember

Working on A Passion to Pray Prayer Plannerizer

Me, Major Sandra Jackson, Divisional Commander Lynette Reed & Merry Graham

Last year, after Merry and I ministered to the Massachuttes’ Salvation Army Women Officers, I wrote a blog post about 10 interesting facts I learned about The Salvation Army.   http://sandrajo.wordpress.com/2008/09/30/tuesday-10-4/.  It has been one of my top posts and I encourage you to read it (again, if you have already read it) and to support The Salvation Army every time you can.

Grand Rapids Hearts at Home & Chicago

These past 3 weeks have been busy days — first enjoying the MOPS’ Convention with 3 of our wonderful MOPS Moms in Nashville, then Bill and I traveled to Grand Rapids for another amazing Hearts at Home convention, then into Chicago to visit Audrianna at Moody Bible Institute , and finally (after major car trouble on the way home), this week brought ministry to the Western PA Salvation Army Women Officers with my dear friend Merry Graham of A Passion to Pray.  Here are a few photos to share with you…

 I spoke once again on Recognize, Record and Remember and The Joys of Mentoring.  At my speaker’s table we featured Blessings Unlimited products that help record and remember moments.  Bill is such a great table manager while I am busy speaking or talking with others.  Somehow he keeps it the products and the money all straight.  I so appreciate him serving with me.

Photo compliment of http://gregersenphotography.smugmug.com/

After Hearts at Home, we traveled into Chicago to visit Audrianna and Nic at Moody Bible Institute.  What a joy it was to hold my youngest daughter in my arms again and to be able to talk without a phone.  We enjoyed eating lunch at a Thai Restaurant, visiting Navy Pier, going to Harvest Bible Church at Wicker Park, and celebrating Nic’s birthday.  The whole day went so fast!!

 

 

 

At Navy Pier on a beautiful Fall Chicago Day.

 

 

 

 It was really hard to say good-bye – there were some tears. I really miss Audrianna’s presence in our home, but I am so proud of her.  She is doing well, working hard, and handling college issues with the Lord’s help.  I am so thankful ~~

 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1;4

Do you remember a few weeks ago, I wrote a post titled Where will She Worship Next Week ?   Bill and I were thrilled to attend a late afternoon worship service with Audrianna at Harvest Bible Chapel in Wicker Park.  This church has only been meeting 3 weeks and yet already had hundreds attending.  Pastor James MacDonald shared a message out of Revelations which spoke right to my heart.  It was a joy to once again stand between my husband and my daughter in worship and to experience how God has answered this prayer. 

 God was faithful as we traveled – Bill talked me into taking our old van on this trip as we had lots of Blessings Unlimited Products to take.  The van ran fine as we traveled to Grand Rapids and Chicago, but on the way home through Ohio, the van started having problems going into gear.  It would go into reverse, but did not want to find the drive gear.  Bill and I started praying and somehow God helped us make all the way home (even though the last miles found us only able to travel in second gear).  We were so thankful to arrive home!  By Wednesday, the van was deemed unable to be fixed and was sold to a savage yard.  It had been a good vehicle, traveling over 235, 000 miles, teaching 2 teenage drivers how to drive and taking our family many places.  Although our plans were not for the van to die, we are thankful for the service it provided us (especially getting us home from Chicago).  

Next post, I will write about our time of ministry with the Salvation Army Women Officers this past week.