Stephanie Shott

As I sit here in the hospital room awaiting the news from the doctor and watching my brother-in-law breathe by way of a ventilator and eat by way of a tube through his nose, I can't help but be reminded of how fleeting life really is. A breath...a vapor.

After my intense study of Ecclesiastes, that truth tends to linger in my mind and haunt my heart. We only get one chance to do this thing called life. One chance to make an eternal difference. One opportunity to reach a world for Christ and make this life all about Him instead of all about ourselves. To care more about others more than we care about ourselves.

And as we celebrate Memorial Day, we remember those who valued our lives more than the did their own. Those who valued our freedom more than they valued their lives, those who believed we live in the best country in the world and were willing to sacrifice everything for its future.

I have no grand words of gratitude that could match the greatness of their gift. It is beyond words. But I can't let this day slip by without expressing how thankful I am for the price they paid. I am sincerely grateful for all they have done...for all they have given. So, thank you to all who have served, all who have given their lives so that we may be free. Thank you...Thank you...Thank you!

And I can't close today's post with out remembering the One who gave the ultimate sacrifice-the One who knew no sin but became sin for us-the One who chose the cross of death and the crown of thorns to give us eternal life. And yet, there are no words to express how grateful I am for the life He freely gave to save this wretched soul! So, as I close, I also want to say "Thank You...Thank You...Thank You" to the the Lord and Savior of my life...to the Great I Am...to the Son of God and Son of Man...THANK YOU!

What are you thankful for this Memorial Day?

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I've heard it said that growing old is not for sissies, but neither is writing. Although my first book is due out in August and I haven't really been writing for very long, one thing I've learned about submitting a manuscript is that it's important to do what they say.

If writing is you're passion and publishing is your heart's desire, then there are some basic things you can do to minimize the obstacles on your pathway to publishing. One of which is to follow their instructions for submission. Agents and acquisitions editors are busy people, who see umpteen jillian manuscripts every year. Unfortunately, many of those that leave their desk and land in the circular file are from aspiring authors who shoot themselves in the foot by simply "NOT" following the publishers' guidelines.

If you find a publisher or an agent who accepts unsolicited manuscripts, go to their website, pull up their guidelines and follow them to a "T". If they require a query letter first, send a query letter first. If they request the first three chapters, send the first three chapters. Not two chapters, not five chapters...just the three they asked for.

It may help to print out the guidelines, highlight their requirements and begin to check off what you've completed. You'll know if you've done everything they say when all the highlighted requests are checked. When you've completed everything, be sure to put it in the proper order, place it in a file or a special binder and mail it. You will also want to have your priceless package sent with a request for tracking and/or a signature confirmation request, depending on the publishers or agents guidelines.

And then you begin the long-drawn-out process of waiting. Again...do what they say. If their guidelines list an eight week wait, then wait at least eight weeks before emailing a follow-up letter. If it says wait four months, then wait four month.

Don't skip a thing. Just do what they say and you'll have a greater opportunity to hear the news you're waiting for.

By the way, if you're looking for some help to put together a jam up book proposal, Mary DeMuth offers one for nonfiction proposals and one for fiction proposals. Click here for a link to her page.

What did I forget to mention about following guidelines? Do you have any tips you'd like to share?

O God,

You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1

We're a strange breed...the human race. We want God to fix all our problems, but we live our lives as though He doesn't exist. We blame Him when the earth is shaken and the floods fill our land, yet we never sought His protection in the first place. We try to remove Him from our schools, eliminate His Commandments from our courts and erase His hand from our history books, but when crisis comes our way, we wonder where He is.

I honestly could go on a political rant right now, but that's not the purpose of this post. Today, I want to take a few minutes and encourage each of us to seek God's face...to long for Him.

You see, we are in a weary land and the water of the Word is lacking. We're a dry and desperate people in need of the Living God. We need His mercy, His power, His presence, His protection and His wisdom. We can't spend our days denying His reality and expect Him to put the pieces of our shattered world back together.

What we need is a revival of God's children. We need to have hearts that long for the Living God. Hearts that are willing to be broken for the things that break God's heart. A people who is willing to repent and return. To run from sin instead of running to it. Those who see that Christ is worth more than anything this world has to offer. Those who will earnestly seek His face, long for His presence and live for His glory.

Then maybe the Lord will give us fresh rain that will refresh our hearts and fill our land with the lush pasture of His presence. But that will only come when we long for the Living God!

"Ask the Lord for rain in the spring, for he makes the storm clouds. And he will send showers of rain so every field becomes a lush pasture." Zech 10:1-3

Do you need fresh rain? What Scriptures do you cling to when you're in a dry and thirsty land? Do you have any prayer requests you'd like for me to pray for?

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Since today is Mission-Minded Thursday and the summer is just over the horizon, many have missions on their minds. So. I thought I'd post an oldie but goodie for those of you who work on a missions team at church or are involved with missions.

Enjoy a blast from the past and I hope you are encouraged to make missions your mission.

You may be involved in a church that is very involved in missions, or maybe not so much. But it is definitely the responsibility of the church to be involved in reaching their own Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and even the ends of the earth. Perhaps the Lord wants to use you to strengthen your church in the area of missions.

I'd like to share some simple ways the church can help fulfill the Great Commission and become an Acts 1:8 church.

1. Connect!
There are so many churches that really want to be involved in missions in a hands-on way, but they don't know where to start. Trust me when I say, there are missionaries all over the world that would love to hear from you. God is doing a work beyond our own local church and missionaries on the field would love to share with you and your church all that God is doing...their vision for that area...their passion for the people they are trying to reach with the Gospel. Missionaries on the field can connect your church with opportunities to minister to people they could never reach otherwise.

2. Develop a Missions Ministry!
You may already have a missions ministry or committee in place, but I'd like to share with you a Missions Ministry Flow Chart that can help your group do much more than meet a couple times of year to discuss financial support or only get together when there is a trip on the horizon.

A. Establish a Missions Ministry (I know this is obvious) :-) Organize a group who have a passion for missions and/or evangelism.
B. Cover Your Bases - This means that your ministry should have someone who will be responsible for each country or area your church is involved in. That person (or people) needs to serve as a liaison between the missionary and the church. Communicating needs, projects, praise reports and prayer requests to the church on
a consistent basis. Keeping that missionary and their ministry in front of the church so they don't just become a check your church writes every month.
C. Establish a Missions Trip Coordinator(s) - This may be someone who handles all the mission trips the church chooses to go on or it may be someone designated to oversee specific missionaries or regions based on their passion for that area, their relationship with the missionary or their expertise in organizing trips for specific location. Someone needs to be the "go to" person to organize the trip. This is where being connected will be a definite benefit for the church.
D. Develop a Prayer Team - As with any ministry, nothing is accomplished without the hand of God, no one is safe without divine protection, finances run low unless God intervenes and the lost remain lost until God shows up. Missionaries covet prayer warriors. They long to know their forever family is praying for them. They are on the front lines of a battle they can't even see and prayer is the most powerful weapon available. Each church should have at least one person who can commit to praying for a specific missionary. The prayer team should be in contact with the missionary and the liaison so that both can be informed and nothing slips through the cracks.
E. Meet Monthly - Monthly meetings keep everyone informed and engaged in the ministries your church is involved in. It also can be a source of encouragement to see what the Lord is doing through the missionary on the field and through your church.

3. Be Strategic! Acts 1:8 is the standard. Figure out if you are effectively reaching your Jerusalem, your Judea, your Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth. It's not multiple choice. Many churches are great at reaching their Jerusalem, but never go beyond their own neighborhood. Other churches are impacting cultures and countries on the other side of the world but have completely forgotten that their own neighborhood is in desperate need of tangible proof that God is real and that Jesus loves them. So be strategic.

An effective missions ministry does much more than determine where the money goes. It does much more than plan a trip or two. It is consistently involved with the missionary on the field and strategically praying for them, keeping their ministry in front of the church and actively being a part of their ministry.

This isn't comprehensive, but I hope it gives you some ideas to help your church be involved in missions. I have developed a flow chart for Missions Ministries from a missionary's perspective. A kind of "Dream Team" for missionaries. If you are interested, you can email me at eternallyHis@mail.com. I'd love to send it to you.

What do you think? Does your church have a missions ministry that does something you'd like to share? Do you have an experience about missions ministries/committees that you'd like to share? I'l love to hear from you.

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I have a confession to make. When I was growing up I wanted to be Wonder Woman. Not the comic strip character, but the Lynda Carter-television-style Wonder Woman.

It took me a few years, but I have decided that Wonder Woman, I am not. I've tried to do it all, be it all and have it all - but the in the real world it's impossible. In fact, I gladly gave up my bullet proof wrist bands and golden lasso as soon as I learned what it really meant to be Wonder Woman.

Unfortunately, my coveted identity came with responsibilities beyond my abilities. Today's culture calls for women to be everything to everyone. But we weren't created that way.

Let's look at a few roles women are expected to play in our world today (in random order):

Cook
Nutritionist
Maid
Washer of Clothes
Chauffer
Bookkeeper
Event Planner
Coach to your kids
Referee for your kids
Shopper
Meal Planner
Nurturer
Wonder Wife
Errand Runner
Confidant
Friend
Banker
Full Time Employee
Part Time Employee
Counselor
Finder of All Things Lost
Home Organizer
Cheerleader for Kid's Sporting Events
Teacher
PTA Participant
Birthday Party Planner
Cake Decorator
Trainer
Household Secretary
Writer
Business Manager

And that's my short list. Crazy, isn't it? Can you see why our lives seem so scattered? We may have to live our lives all over the place, but we also need to be careful about the choices we make that fill our days with that which isn't necessary and leaves us trying to juggle too much at once. We need to choose what we juggle wisely or we'll miss out on what's most important. We can't be effective when we give ourselves out in so many different directions.

I may want to look like Lynda Carter when I grow up, but I stopped wanting to be like her character a long time ago. I hope you did too.

Are you still trying to be Wonder Woman? Are there some things you need to scratch off your "to do" list? What are some things I missed that we try to tackle as Wonder Woman?

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There we were, surrounded by about 250 teenagers. Excitement filled the air and hearts anxiously awaited the life-changing words that were about to flow from the guest speaker's lips. The band had just finished playing and all eyes were on the stage. Applause broke the silence as he stepped up to the mic. He stood there for a moment, waiting for a pause in the commotion and with a whisper, he quieted the room.

And then he began to give a long-drawn-out and very monotone dissertation on the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. All I could think was, somebody…please stop him. Don’t get me wrong - the message was phenomenal. He left us with points to ponder as he carefully and accurately used scripture to support his thesis. Very deep, life-changing stuff.

The only problem was he had prepared a message for seminary students, not a youth group. His content would have been perfect for those who were in their final year of seminary. His delivery would have been fine in a lecture hall. But a bunch of teenage students who had just been challenged to be sold out to the Living God and had just experienced an awesome Christian band bring down the house were looking for a message that would drive it all home. One that would bring them face to face with who they were and point them to who they needed to become…who they could become if they would just let Christ take hold of their lives.

You see, if you’re a speaker, a teacher or a communicator you must know there is one rule that cannot be broken - KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! Whether you’re speaking to one or one million…know who you’re speaking to.

You may have the opportunity to speak to a diverse group of women, but they have one thing in common…they are women. If you’re asked to speak at youth event or a gathering geared for 20 somethings, you don’t want to talk about eight tracks and vcr’s.

We organize an annual pastors’ conference for Costa Rica and invite quite a few speakers to pour their hearts and lives into those who pour their lives into their towns and villages. One of the primary words of wisdom we share with our speakers is, know your audience. They’re pastors, pastors’ wives and ministry leaders. They come to our conferences for biblical training, tools for their spiritual tool boxes and encouragement. We even give them the theme of our conference and the topics we’d like them to speak on. Their Central American culture is different than ours. Stories that will resonate with meaning in the states won’t make a lick of sense in a third world country. It doesn’t matter if your point is profound if nobody gets it.

Knowing your audience means you carefully craft your message based on the following facts:

1. What’s the gender of my audience? (based on the greatest ratio)

2. What’s the age of my audience? (based on the greatest ratio)

3. What’s the affiliation or dynamics (spiritual, business, political, informal, formal) of my
audience?

4. What are some basic needs they have or challenges they face?

5. How can I meet them where they are and impact their lives?

6. What should my word choice be based on the above information?

7. What illustrations can I use that will impact my audience based on the information above?

8. What should I refrain from saying so as not to offend and hamper my effectiveness?

9. What research should I do to get to know them more before I develop my message?

10. How can I pray for them before I ever stand behind the mic?

I realize some people struggle with the concept of “being relevant.” But Jesus was our ultimate example of Someone who made a difference in peoples’ lives by speaking to them where they were. If they were familiar with farming, He talked about the fields that were white for harvest. If they were fishermen, He told them He would make them fishers of men. It made sense to them. They got it. And they never forgot it.

If you’re a communicator and you want your messages to be unforgettable, know your audience, and speak to them where they are.

Do you have any tips to add to this list? Did this help you at all? I’d love to hear from you!

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"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1

I love the summer! Everything is alive and lively. The days are longer, the air smells sweeter, the kids are out of school and it's time to play!

Unfortunately, when my children were at home, I often found school was knocking on the door of our summer fun before we really got to enjoy the season that seemed to all-too-quickly slip through our fingers. The next thing I knew, it was time to plan curriculum and get things ready for class to be in session. Don't get me wrong, we enjoyed our summers, but some were better than others. You see, rather than intentionally making memories with the moments we were given, I often filled them with nothingness and our summers somehow disappeared in the process.

When your children are now adult men, you tend to look back and reflect on the "shoulda, coulda, woulda" opportunities and wish you could rewind and rewrite your family story. But that's not how life works. We get one shot to do this thing called life and one chance to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Today's post is to encourage you to INTENTIONALLY make memories with your children this summer. That means you will need to plan your days; put some things on the back burner and give up a few activities for just a few weeks of family time. If you have trouble coming up with ideas, I'm going to list some here in hopes of sparking your creative fuel. You will also benefit from getting on your city's website and looking at the calendar of events. If you don't find one, go to one of your local television station's website. You should be able to find out what's going on in your town through one of those outlets.

So here's a few ideas - but remember to take your camera everywhere you go:

1. A DAY AT THE ZOO - They are normally inexpensive and if you're on a budget, pack your lunches (and drinks) in a cooler

2. A JOURNEY TO YOUR LOCAL PARKS - Map out a few of the parks in your local area and see how many of them you can hit in a day. Take pictures at every park you visit. Pack your lunches (and drinks) in a cooler

3. A DAY AT THE MUSEUM - Take the family to the museum. Enjoy taking pictures in front of the attractions. To make a day of it, take your lunches (and drinks) in a cooler

4. THEME PARKS - Most towns have some sort of theme park within a three hour radius. Save up and take the family to one of the theme parks in your area. Again, you can pack your lunches (and drinks) in a cooler and save money by eating outside of the gate. The walk back will give you enough time to enjoy the rides when you get back in :-)

5. PLAY TENNIS AT A LOCAL PARK - You may not be able to join a team, but many parks have tennis courts where you can play for free. If you don't know the rules, you can either take the time to learn them or just do what I do - make them up as you go

6. HAVE FUN IN THE SUN - Spend a day at the beach, lake or river in your community. Be sure to pack your lunches (and drinks) in a cooler. Contrary to popular belief, sun is good for you. So get out there and absorb all the vitamin D you can...just don't get a sunburn

7. VBS OR BACKYARD BIBLE CLUBS - Be part of making an eternal difference in your kid's and other kid's lives. If your church doesn't have anything going this summer, ask if you can help at another church and let your children join the fun there. You may want to put on your own backyard Bible club to reach out to your neighbors. Ask some families to help you and make your neighborhood your mission field

8. TAKE A HIKE - Many towns have a natural habitat area that offers hikes and exhibits. You'll not only want to take your lunches (and drinks) in a cooler, but you'll want to take your binoculars too

9. GO CAMPING - That's right...tent and all...take your kids for a good, old fashioned camping trip. Hotdogs on the grill, marshmallows over the fire and all the mosquitos you can imagine. There's really nothing like it!

10. BIKE RIDING - Go on bike trail and enjoy the ride. Stop, smell the roses, hang out and enjoy the lunch you packed (with drinks) in the cooler :-)

11. SKATE-BOWL - That's right! Go skating and bowling all in the same day. Kind of a marathon fun day.

12. TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME - Go to a major or minor league baseball game. Hoot and holler for your favorite team together

13. GO FISH - Take your family on a fishing trip. If you can't bait your own hook, tell your son it's time he learn :-) OR just use the fake stuff. You'll have fun whether they're real or not

14. INDOOR GAME DAY - Plan a day for indoor games. Get a few families together or just hang out with your own family and spend the day playing games. Board games, card games or make up your own (This time you won't have to pack your lunch) :-)

15. A TRIP TO THE LIBRARY - Local libraries often offer summer reading programs. You can spend the day at the library and join in the activities

16. DO SOME GOOD - It's always a good idea to look for ways to make a difference in the lives of others. Paint an elderly neighbors house or mow his/her lawn. Work in a local homeless shelter. Volunteer to help at a local nursing home. Find a way to do good

So there you have it...a few ideas to intentionally plan the upcoming days with memories instead of wasted moments. (If I could do it all over again, I'd schedule two or three activities a week.) Don't forget your camera for all your events so you can decorate your home with the memories you make. Dedicate a wall for your summer pictures, cover your refrigerator with the fun-filled photos. Whatever you do...make memories...intentionally.

Do you struggle with letting your summers slip through your fingers? What would you add to the list? How do you intentionally make memories?

My attempts at vlogging were...shall we say...less than successful. I have to admit I was disappointed because I wanted to share my heart with you about my book. I know I could write it, but I want you to hear my heart, not just read it. Unfortunately, I remain technologically challenged, so I'll have to wait on the vlog.

Instead, I'd like to encourage those of you who are toying with the idea of writing to just do it. Write whatever is on your heart. Write what you're passionate about. Write to encourage others, to make a point, to make a difference...but write.

To be honest with you, I didn't start writing with a book in mind. I just sensed God leading me to write and so I did. I thought it might end up being something I'd speak on at a conference or perhaps worksheets for something I would teach. But a book? Not even on my radar.

I wanted to share this with you because it's important to do what we sense God is leading us to do even if it doesn't make sense. Your obedience to God may take you on a journey you never expected and better than you ever dreamed. Our view is so finite; our view of ourselves is often small. But God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think.

On my own, I can accomplish nothing; through Christ, there's nothing I can't accomplish. The same is true for you.

So, I want to encourage you to do that which God is leading you to do today. You may be surprised how He wants to use you tomorrow...and every step of obedience is necessary to get you to that place. So, whether it's writing or anything else...no more excuses...just do it!

What do you sense God leading you to do that you've been putting off?

When I was first saved I remember talking to women who seemed to have the "prayer thing" down. They had lists, books and plans for prayer. I was intrigued and inspired, but I really needed someone who could help me understand prayer better.

From the pulpit, I heard messages about how prayer is just talking to God. I learned the ACTS of prayer.

Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication

It was a great place to start on my path to pursuing a significant prayer life, but it seemed like something was lacking. The acrostic helped me find focus in my prayers, but I longed to become a prayer warrior. One who understands what it means to intercede on the behalf of others.

Oswald Chambers said, "Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work." He also said, "The meaning of prayer is that we get ahold of God, not of the answer."

Real prayer is real work. It's the desire to get ahold of God regardless of the answer. It's seeking His face for the sheer privilege of knowing the God of the universe and longing for our heart to align with His about whatever it is we're praying for. Asking for His will to be done on earth.

Prayer is the greatest privilege we have, yet it's our greatest neglect. Perhaps it's because we're too busy, too lazy, too independent...or maybe it's because we just don't understand the grandness of the privilege of prayer, the power that is ours through prayer or the reality of His presence through prayer. Sometimes we just need a plan to keep our need for prayer on the forefront of our hearts and minds.

It's been said that if we aim at nothing, we will hit it every time. The same is true for prayer. If we are aimless in our prayer-life we will pray randomly, at best. I realize everyone is different, but I've found that my consistency in prayer is improved when I implement a plan for prayer. It may be different from season to season, but at least when I have a strategy for prayer, I'm less likely to have prayerless days, weeks or months.

Today, I hope to offer a few ideas to formulate your own prayer plan. Some may work for you, others may not. But it's certainly better than random attempts at prayer.

1. Make a daily prayer list - An example would be Mondays (Family & Missionaries), Tuesdays (Family, Pastors & Teachers), Wednesdays (Family & Country), Thursdays (Family, Health & Finances), Fridays (Family & Friends), Saturdays (Family, Influence & Ministry Opportunities), Sundays (Worship)

2. Make a list of all the things that you need to pray for each month and date them and check them off as God answers them (whether the answer is the "yes" or "no")

3. Begin a prayer journal - Talk to God on paper. You may want to write various prayers using specific colors to define whether it's for family, friends, finances, pastors, ect... You also may want to use a highlighter to accent answered prayers

4. Have a pen and a pad of paper beside you when you pray - That will accomplish several things. It will help alleviate the distractions of the day that clamor for your attention because you can write them down as they come to mind so you won't have to worry about forgetting them later. It will also help you keep track of specific needs that God may bring to your mind during your time in prayer. And finally, it can help you keep track of the things God lays on our hearts as you're spending time in His presence

5. Have a specific time and place where you meet with the Lord - That may be your office, bedroom, prayer closet or car. But there's something about setting apart a special time and place to meet with the Living God that beckons our hearts to His spend time in His presence

Many of you have no problem with your prayer-life. Some of you may be looking for some tips to take it to the next level or to help you be consistent. What ever your need, I pray these ideas were helpful and will encourage you to value your time with the Lord in prayer and in His Word. He loves you and longs to hear your heart.

What would you add to this list? Do you have any ideas about how to have a more consistent prayer life?

Have you ever wondered if the modern church has the right view of missions? Can we lay our reality down along side of Scripture and see that we match up or have we invented our own version of what missions is, what missions does and how missions operate.

Our concept of missions is a strange thing. It often conjures up visions of grass huts, tribal natives, strange food and mission boards. Churches form committees to decide how to divvy up their annual missions' budgets and send their money to a mission board who oversees the missionary on the field. They talk about a trip or two they might take during the year and say a prayer or two for some of the missionaries they support.

Is that really what missions is all about? Are we cut from the same missionary mold that Paul was?

You may be surprised to know that the word "missionary" is not even in the Bible - but the word "witnesses" is. When Jesus was ascending into heaven He spoke His final words on earth,

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."Acts 1:8

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus charged His disciples with the Great Commission. Go...make disciples. It's not a call to a select few, but God's call to all. Believers are to be about the business of making disciples. After all, if the God of the universe stooped down from heaven, clothed Himself in flesh to bear a brutal death for me and for you, doesn't it stand to reason that, as witnesses of what He has done for us, we would want to tell others of so great a salvation?

You see, we tack on missions to the church as a ministry we do on the side...with very little personal involvement. We leave the work up to those who were called to a foreign field and they tend to be out of sight and out of mind. But if you look at how Paul was called by God and commissioned by the church, you find that you don't find a mission board with grand requirements and an extensive educational background.

In fact, I remember after the Lord called us to the mission field we went to our first missions' conference. We were so excited! We stayed at the house of a "famous" missionary. He had been on the field for decades and had successfully started many ministries and reached a plethora of people for Christ.

We arrived at his home where he directed us to our room and told us to meet him in the living room after we were through getting our things situated. We just knew we were in for a sweet time of fellowship and were anxious to hear stories that would have us on the edge of our seats and glean wisdom from his every word. But the first thing that came out of his mouth was a very austere... "So, what qualifications do you have?"

We were taken back. He began to tell us of his vast educational background and the many places he had been. Both of us stared at each other and then my husband began to wisely answer his questions with a question... "What did you learn in school that you were able to use on the field?"

His answer - "Nothing! There's really nothing that can prepare you and teach you how to deal with the things that come up on the mission field."

I'm not minimizing the value of education, but if we're going to look at missions from a biblical standpoint then the only prerequisite we find is an obedient heart.

You see, God called us to go to another country to take the Gospel and help the national pastors. He calls us all to make disciples...to be His witnesses to the nations as well as our neighbors. Missions is merely our obedience to be witnesses in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and utter most parts of the earth while the church commissions and supports us in our journey of making disciples.

Those who the church sends out should be a constant object of prayer and the primary point of contact. When a missionary on the field has a need, the local church should ban together, pray, seek God's face and help meet that need. It may mean other local churches get involved, like the example Paul gave us when he collected money for famine relief, but it was a focus of the church to be involved in "missions."

I know this isn't popular, but is it wise to keep doing what we've always done just because we've always done it? Do we continue our status quo concept of missions or do we lay our methods down against the Word of God and look for ways we can become more like the mold we were cut from?

Maybe it's time to look at missions with new eyes. Perhaps it's time to rethink our role in missions.

Below I have listed some wonderful, thought-provoking and heart-convicting quotes about missions. These people got it! They understood that if we've been born again by the Living God, we have a world to reach! They weren't worried about comfort and convenience. They weren't concerned about being mocked or rejected. They just wanted to tell people about the Savior who died to save them.

Please read through each one and contemplate how missions fits into your life and the life of your church. Do you pray for those who are witnesses to the world in a foreign land? Do you seek out ways to fulfill the great commission?

"I cared not where or how I lived, or what hardships I went through, so that I could gain souls for Christ. While I was asleep, I dreamed of these things, and when I awoke, the first thing I thought of was this great work." - David Brainerd

“It is the whole business of the whole church to preach the whole gospel to the whole world.” - Charles H. Spurgeon

“The mission of the church is missions.” - Oswald J. Smith

"If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for." - Charles Spurgeon

"A tiny group of believers who have the gospel keep mumbling it over and over to themselves. Meanwhile, millions who have never heard it once fall into the flames of eternal Hell without ever hearing the salvation story." - K.P. Yohannan

"Today Christians spend more money on dog food then missions." - Leonard Ravenhill

What do you think about how the modern day church does missions? Do you have any thoughts on how missions can be done right or do you think we're already doing a good job?

I often tell women that much of my "wifehood" has been spent on my knees for my man. He's a man who is passionate about God and about reaching this generation for Christ. He sees the big picture and is fervent about seeing people discipled and the church not only loving each other, but also escaping the Christian bubble and being the church in the community, as well. I, admittedly, am one blessed woman and I love my man with all my heart!

My role as his wife didn't come with an instruction manual. I had to learn about his needs, his desires, his dreams, his abilities, his weaknesses and the areas where he needed and wanted to grow and change. Unfortunately, knowing him like I should didn't happen overnight. It was a step by step process that often taxed my patience and left me frustrated.

We're very different. In fact, I often laugh at how we jockey our words to try to land on the same page of any given conversation. But God has used those differences to help me see things beyond my own opinion and given me a different take on things I thought I had figured out.

Perhaps you're struggling in your marriage. Maybe you just don't see eye to eye about things. Maybe you're trying to change your man instead of praying that God would make him the man God wants him to be.

One of the greatest roles a woman can play in her husband's life is the that of intercessor. No one knows your hubby like you do. No one sees his strengths and weakness like you. In a way, praying for your husband is also praying for yourself, because you're one. If God does something in and through him, it will impact you. If God works out a situation in his life or gives him wisdom to walk in a specific direction, you can be sure your life will be affected.

I've always wanted to be like the Proverbs 31 woman. I think we all have. In context, these verses are a tribute to a mother's wisdom. King Lemeul honored his mom by rehearsing her advice through the portals of time and everytime we read them we are hearing the heart of a mother.

She was a mom who longed for her son to marry a godly woman who would love and honor him all the days of his life. I remember how her counsel took root in my prayers years ago as I prayed for my sons' future wives.

Today, I'd like to share a few verses from this momma's words of wisdom found in the pages of scripture and encourage each of us to be a woman who prays for her man.

Proverbs 31:10-12
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

King Lemeul's mamma wanted to be sure her son had a woman who would stand by her man. One he would consider to be priceless! She would be a woman he could trust; one that would greatly enrich his life...who would bring out the best in him and have his best interest at heart; one who would look for opportunities to do good for her husband and not seek out ways to hurt him. That's the kind of woman we all want for our son's, but is that the kind of woman we are to our husband?

Let's face it, laying our lives down beside Mrs. P31. can be pretty daunting. She sets the standard uncompromisingly high. But, if you're like me, Proverbs 31 is a picture of the woman I long to be...the woman I'm working to become. Not only for my husband and children, but for myself, as well.

Now let's take a look at our focus verse for today's post:

Proverbs 31:23
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

He was a man that garnered great respect and held the title of leader in his sphere of influence. Mrs. P31 knew her husband wasn't perfect, but it's obvious by the text that she didn't expose his weaknesses or broadcast his failures.

At the beginning of today's post I mentioned that I had spent much of my "wifehood" in intercession for my man. Sometimes because I just knew I was right and I wanted God to tell him so, but more often than not, because I love seeing him become the man God created him to be. I want him to be known in the gates as a respected leader. My prayers often flow from the potential I know is his and the doors I see God opening for him.

I'd like to finish today's post by sharing some ways you can pray for your husband. Specific areas that you can lay at the foot of the cross on a consistent basis as you see God working in his life, strengthening his faith and weaving the events of his life to make him the man He created him to be.

1. Pray for His Spiritual Life - That he would have a vital, intimate and unwavering relationship with the Lord. That he would passionately pursue a holy life and be zealous for the Word of the Living God. That he would be a man of faith, a man of prayer and a man of the Word.

2. Pray for His Character - That he would value his own reputation as a reflection of His Savior. That he would be a man whom people can confide in and trust; who is known for his integrity and is faithful to his word.

3. Pray for His Heart - That he would guard his heart from unrighteousness and from the lures and temptations of this world. That he would be pure in heart and mind. Faithful to God and faithful to his family. That he would love what God loves and hate what God hates. That his heart would be tender yet courageous, humble yet bold.

4. Pray for His Health - That he would be physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. That he would be safe from harm and free from sickness and disease. That he would eat what he knows is good for him and exercise to maintain his health.

5. Pray for His Influence - The influence he has on others and the influence others have on him. Pray God would use him to make a positive impact on the lives he comes in contact with. Pray God would bless him with godly friends and people who God may use to pave the path of position for him. That he would be known in the gates and make a difference for the glory of God.

I realize this isn't a comprehensive prayer list, but it's a start. This may be hard, but perhaps you've been frustrated with your husband, yet you haven't even spent five minutes in intercession for him. Maybe you want him to become someone God never intended him to be. True intercession means you get in line with God's will for someone and begin to pray to that end.

I'm not sure where you are in your marriage, but this I know...the prayer of a righteous woman avails much. James 5:16 in the NLT says it like this, "...The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."

Pray for your man, dear one. It can mean a world of difference...for you, for him, for your marriage, for your family and for those in your sphere of influence. After all, don't you want him to be known in the gates!

What would you add to this list? How has God used this post to stir you to pray for your man?

I remember how I felt as the end of the school year seemed to loom over the horizon. Let's just say I had "short-timers attitude." The torturous task of getting the kids ready for testing was over and there were always about two to three weeks left before school was officially over.

Oh, please! Can't we just be done with it. After all, our brains shifted gears the minute the last timer went off and the last pencil was placed on the paper. Can't we just call it a year and go play!

It was especially difficult when I realized that mid-June meant it was time for the annual used book sale. That was a "must attend" since my homeschool budget always relegated my purchases to as many "used" books as possible.

That meant I had to know where I was going next year before I ever ended my current year. There was a certain excitement about it all, but to be honest, I just wanted a few weeks to not think about school. A few unplanned moments would have been nice. But that never happened.

However, after about eight years of homeschooling, I did begin releasing myself from the "homeschool mom" bondage I had placed myself in. I wish it wouldn't have taken so long, but I'm admittedly a slow learner. I realized that neither I, nor my kids were going to get much out of one more grammar lesson or one more quiz, so I began trying to get them excited about the next year by scanning curriculum together. Letting them share what was important to them.

That served many purposes. Let me share a few:

1. It lifted the "end of the year cloud" off of us and released us from the daily grind

2. It gave me an opportunity to see where my children's interests lie and what they were drawn to

3. I was reminded of their learning styles and the various ways in which homeschooling allows me to teach them in a way that would be most effective for them

4. It gave us all a glimpse at our options and the possibilities that awaited us

5. It helped me be ready for the next year before I was done with the current one

6. It enabled me to save money by attending the used book sale

7. And best of all, it helped us all enjoy the summer because we were already ready for the next year

Some of you are closing the book on your school year in a few weeks and I want to encourage you that it's o.k. if your children didn't finish every lesson in the book.

Get them excited about next year and give yourselves a much needed break! It won't be long before you're diving into the next year. So give yourselves permission to enjoy the summer. You've earned it!

Are you already ready for next year? Do you struggle with letting go of this school year? What do you plan on doing this summer?

So, I was thinking about this whole blogging thing and have decided I want to try something new. If you're a blogger, you know one of the most difficult things about blogging is being consistent. I struggle with a daily blog because of time constraints, other commitments and probably my own need to over analyze what I think I need to write about.

Honestly...everything I do and think filters through my relationship with Christ, so it stands to reason that that's what will overflow into my blog. That won't change. That can't change. But I'm going to be defining my space in cyberspace from a more strategic point of view.

Rather than random, devotion-style blogs, I want my posts to reflect my path. I realize that God has placed me on planet earth and the life experiences He has allowed me to have (good, bad and ugly) are not just for me, but to encourage others, as well. The same is true for you!

So, I'll be sharing from what I know and where I've been through the filter of God's Word. I hope you'll join me for the journey and that the Lord will use my posts to speak to you where you are and encourage your heart.

Here's my weekly schedule (which I'm starting tomorrow):

Mondays - "Mom Stuff" Mondays - Since my kids are grown, it will probably be a lot of "Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda" stuff

Tuesdays - "Teaching Tuesdays" - For homeschoolers and Speakers & Bible study teachers

Wednesdays - "Women & Wives" Wednesday - We're gonna talk girl talk

Thursdays - "Missions" Thursdays - (Could someone come up with a good title for me for "Missions Thursdays")

Fridays - "Faith-filled Fridays" - This will be much like what you're used to seeing

Saturdays - "Saturdays for Scribes" - Writing for writers. Writing and publishing information

This schedule will enable you to know what to expect when and it will help me be more focused. There will be times when I deviate from the norm. Especially as I get closer to the book launch.

But the publisher is creating a website for the book which will have a blog on it, as well. I really want to begin inviting you now to visit it when it is up and ready. I'd love to walk through the study with you and hear your hearts and have you share what God is doing in your life through the study of Ecclesiastes: Understanding What Matters Most. (I'll let you know when the site is ready!)

O.K. - so here's my plan for my blog. Do you like it? Is there something you'd like for me to talk about that I haven't mentioned? Is there anything specific you'd like for me to address from my list? I want to hear from you, my sistas!!

There are some things I'm very confident about, others...not so much. I'm confident that God loves me; I'm confident that my family loves me; that my husband would protect me from harm.

Unfortunately, my confidence level takes a nose dive every time I look in the mirror. That's when I'm staring my flaws, failures and inabilities in the face and I question my own potential. Yet, God's Word is to be my mirror...not the glass-layered aluminum situated on my bathroom wall.

I love how the Amplified expands the significance of Phil 1:6, "And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you."

Paul was absolutely confident that God would do what God wanted to do in his life. The same is true for you and me. The work He chose to begin in you will be the work He will develop, perfect and bring to full completion. It may not be the work you think it should be, but I assure you, it is the work you were created to complete...it is chock-full of the good works He has saved you to accomplish.

Ephesians 2:10 says it this way... "For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]."

I've learned that if my confidence level is low, it's because it's supposed to me. Phil 3:3 says, "For we [Christians] are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence [on what we are] in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances--."

My confidence is found in the Living God. He chooses my path; He decides how He wants to use me; He chooses what gifts and abilities He wants to use in and through me. It is He that works in me both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

I am His and I am absolutely confident that He will accomplish what He desires through me.

How about you? Do you struggle with confidence? Are you listening to the mirror on the wall or to the mirror of God's Word?

As I stood there speaking to a group of lovely ladies at a mother/daughter banquet my mind took a quick trip down reality lane. With my sweet daughter-in-law sitting on the first row I was reminded that it's her first Mother's Day as a mom. And what a good mother she is!

Yet, my mom is in what looks to be her final stages of cancer and although I don't like to think about it, this may be her last Mother's Day. Oh, how my heart hurts when I let my thoughts travel to unchartered territory. Me without my mom. I know it's the progression of this life we all live under the sun, but the pain is still real.

And then there's my birthmom - bravely battling breast cancer in a fight for her life. The complications from the chemo are taking a toll on her physically, but her faith is strong and her courage is great. It's difficult knowing she's so far away, but I'm comforted to know that my sister is holding her hand down this dreadful path.

It's hard for me to write right now. Way too many emotions are clamoring for my attention as I purposefully do my best to avoid them all. Not now. It's not time to go where reality hasn't.

But I am so very thankful! In fact, when I was in an elevator the other day, a man stepped off, looked back and said, "Don't forget your mother on Sunday. After all...we've only got one." I smiled, looked at my friend next to me and said, "Ah...but I have two!"

God has richly blessed me with a mother who would love me as if I were her own and another mother who would look past the pain of rape and choose life for me instead. So, Happy Mother's Day to my two moms and their daughter! :-)

And HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to YOU!