Saturday, August 14, 2010

Living Life In The Zone: a 40-daySpiritual Game Plan for Men

Living Life In the Zone: A 40-Day Spiritual Game Plan For Men, written by Kyle Rote, Jr. and Dr. Joe Pettigrew, is designed to be a devotional/self-study tool for men. I really enjoyed the way the authors used a topic (sports) that most men can relate to and gave real life testimonies on how men can deepen their relationships with God, family, friends and grow their faith.They can do so by 3 simple processes. Starting with an Idea, then having a game plan, and finally having time out or a daily assignment to help you reach your goal. This is a book that i am passing on to my teenage sons to help prepare them for adulthood and to be Men of God.

Definitely check this book out. Great stories from some of sports best known and well loved, with awesome practical advice for every day living...not just applicable to the men in our lives♥

Disclaimer: I received my copy for free as a member of booksneeze in exchange for review. Having said that, i have not been unduly influenced one way or the other as to what to write. K? k♥

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Update: Haiti Mission Trip #719

Good Morning! 

Just a quick update.

Many of the needs have been met for the mission trip to Haiti!

Praise God!!!

There are still a few major ones, though, that still need to be met...a way TO Atlanta by July 28th. Several neccessary supplies, which i will list below, travel expenses (i.e. gas money for the return trip, food on the return trip, a couple of meals on the way to Haiti, etc.) possible charges for luggage on flight.

I know many of you have been on your knees on my behalf and i THANK YOU!

I know many of you have generously donated to this cause on my behalf, and i THANK YOU!

I ask that you continue to pray for those of us making this trip. that you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance as to what to pray for and that if you feel led to help financially, that you would know you are blessing the folks of Haiti in so very many ways.

that you would know it is not neccessarily only me that you are blessing , but you are loving these folks who have nothing, and you are loving them well. and if your blessing is in prayer, that you are also loving them well. i have a paypal acct set up. you can send contributions care of my email address mommy668@yahoo.com by following this link: SENDMONEY.



For those of you in the St. Louis area, i will be here (moscow mills) thru friday night/sat morn the 24th. if you can meet any of the needs listed below or have any questions please call me or email me. cell 219-229-5006,

636-356-1478 or mommy668@yahoo.com. For the folks in NW Indiana/ Chicago area, i will be home the 24th late afternoon. If you have any questions or feel you can meet any of the needs listed below, please feel free to call me or email. Again the trip dates are 7//28/2010 (have to be in Atlanta the 28th) thru 8/5/2010.



Thank you again for all of your thoughts, prayers, donations, and continued support!


In HIM,

Pamela





Supplies needed: Please pack one or two of the following items in your check-in luggage: Bisquick, oatmeal, cream of wheat, grits, or powdered milk. Also each person should bring a 4-roll pack of bathroom tissue.



Other things to Bring to Haiti! Hey Team....after working on your schedule some and talking with Courtney here are some things that we need people to bring for the activities you'll be doing here in Haiti! Please comment on this post and let us know if you'd be able to pick up any of these things!

- soccer balls (def...lated)

- soccer pump/needles

- other balls/games/activities for kids

- TONS of glow in the dark stars (the hard plastic ones) to set up night scenes and decorate the Miriam Center!- Acrylic Paint and Paint Brushes (all colors and lots of it!)

- White Christmas Lights



few more things to add to the list....

- Shaving Cream for a Shaving Cream party with the miriam center kids!

- They love glow in the dark necklaces, bracelets etc!

- baseball T and T Ball stuff is an option for the kids as well to teach them baseball if anyone is interested in sports!



Random Need: tons of boy's underwear, ryobi flashlights, baby cereal and boy's pants and shorts.

Also, for activities we love ANYTHING sensory- shaving cream, corn starch, ect

Monday, July 12, 2010

Blessings

On my last post, Progress, my dear, dear friend Carol (who blogs over here) made the sweetest comment in reply. Carol and her husband Jim are retired pastors after 38years (i think) in the ministry. i probably don't have to mention much about what their pention plan DOES NOT look like. and they really are very sweet and humble about the sacrfices they have made. i just love ms Carol and am so thankful for her in my life. Any how. here is a copy of the sweet comment Ms Carol posted after my last post, it really got me to thinking. especially about the folks we're going to see.:
                                                                              
Dear Precious Pamela:



All I can offer is my prayers. I wanted so to participate toward giving.....but not having Dental Insurance....my front tooth broke off one night while eating a pizza at CC's. In order to save the tooth, I had to have a crown...terribly expensive. Even the prayers have been answered for someone to be burdened to give financially to you. You deserve it; you are the most loving, caring, encouraging I know on the face of this wonderful Lord's earth! So please go with my prayer blessings. Oh yes, you are our hands and feet!

Carols words are so thoughtful and caring, so warm ans full of wisdom, SO VERY IMPORTANT TO BOTH MYSELF AND THE MAKER, THAT ALL OF THE RICHES AND PHYSICAL BEAUTY OF HER APPEARANCE COULD  NOT COMEPARE TO THE BEAUTY OF HER HEART AND GENEROUSITY OF SPIRIT!!! i AM HUMBLED IN HER PRESENCE.

Miss Carol teaches me (as well as models for me) how to live as a godly wife! i lesson  i desparately need to learn to live well and love well will my husband and children.

so this was my response to miss Carol::
Miss Carol~


Oh, how i covet your prayers! They mean absolutely the world to me. In my mind there are various types of riches. There is money, gold, jewels, possesions, and the like. There are also those who are rich in the Spirit...those who offer of their time, energy, soul, prayers, wisdom and grace. Some folks are blessed with a little of both...either way, the way i see it, if you're using the blessing and "riches" that God wants you to have, to HIS glory, then its all good!

Thank you for sharing your "Blessings" with me, My Sweet Sister!

Peace, Love and JOY!

pamela


so...you tell me...what are you sides to the strory??? all commencs are welcome wit exception to annonymous ones

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Progress

Progress.

We have made lots of progress from where we were 10 days ago.

10 days ago i received an email from Shaun King asking me "Can you go?" So on a whim i filled out an application, expecting to be denied, and went on with my daily routine.

9 days ago i received an emailed saying my application was accepted and i needed $500 for the cost of the trip with $100 as a deposit due on the 4th of July.

8 days ago, by Gods grace and the help of friends and family, i was able to pay that deposit.

in the days that have followed, God has provided an additional $300.

So, maybe its better said GOD has made progress.

There are so many friends and family members that have been so generous with their support, both in prayer and with finances. Thank You, ALL!

We are almost there. The deadline for paying for the trip is July 17th.

9 DAYS FROM TODAY!

The other BIG need is the funding for travel to and from Atlanta, the various immunizations and meds that are needed to go with, many supplies that are specific to the trip and so on. I was able to find round trip tickets from CHI to ATL today for $171 plus tax. The issue is that i don't know how long that price is good for.


We would ask that you would join us in prayer for our trip, that you would seek guidance and if you feel lead by the Holy Spirit, you can contribute HERE. You will need my email address: mommy668@yahoo.com.

Thank you all in advance for your prayers and consideration.

Peace, love and JOY!
p

Friday, July 2, 2010

215 Bones

Yep...you read the title exactly right!

$215 SMACKERS, BONES, BUCKS, BILLS, GREENBACKS, SCRATCH, ETC... and so on!

No matter how you say it, it all means the same, and the point is that through GODS will and with YOUR help, thats exactly how much money we have raised for the Courageous Church Haitian Mission trip in just......2 days!

That is 1/5 of the amount needed for the trip! Uh-May-Zing! My God can do anything in His will! I've seen Him do it time after time. I don't know why it still amazes me, but it just gives me chills!

I think about 1 John 5 :14, where it says : "This is the confidence we have in approaching God. That if we ask anything according to HIS will, HE hears US!" So, then, i prayfully ask with humility and courage of conviction, knowing that He has a plan for me, That YOU, My friends and family, consider aiding me in the financial committment needed for this trip.

If you feel you are being led to help financially, you may do so here. You will need my email address (mommy668@yahoo.com) it is FREE if you use an existing paypal or bank account to donate. There is a small fee associated with using your debit/credit card.

I would like to absolutely ask and THANK YOU for your prayers. They are Key to all aspects of this mission being a success. Not just for me but for all members of the team.

Big no HUGE thank you's to those who are praying, encouraging, donating funds...just everything you do! You know who you are!!! I love you and thank you!

peace, love & JOY!
p

Thursday, July 1, 2010

WhOOt!

WhOOt!

WE DID IT!

We raised the first installment needed for the mission trip to Haiti! With YOUR help and Gods WILL, we did it!

Now, the next step is to raise the balance needed. I've done a bit of research today. In order to get to Atlanta, (where we depart from) by either plane or train, i am looking at around $280 smackers...IF i can purchase the tickets 21 days in advance. Since the party (anytime i'm given an opportunity to serve the Lord, i consider it a party, so i hope this does not offend anyone) starts early on July 29th, i would need to be in ATL by the 28th...possibly the 27th. That means i would need to purchase tickets by the 6th.

EEKS!

That is not much time to work with. 6 days to be exact. I'm thinking if God can create the world in 6 days, He can handle this...RIGHT???

Again, i'd like to thank you all so very much for your generosity of spirit, encouragement, prayers, and donations. I could not do this without YOU!

Peace, love & JOY!
p

If you feel led to help by making a donation, you can do so HERE . You can do so for free by using your existing paypal account or your bank account. You can use your credit/debit card for a small fee.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

I Need A Little Help From My Friends

So here's the thing.

I've been praying about how i could figure out a way, financially, that makes sense, to work this business out.

 i truly believe that God has plans for me to be in Haiti come July 29, 2010.

and this is what I've come up with...the actual cost of the trip for me is $500 bones. when you add in airfare to and from Atlanta, you're looking at another $300.00 or so more plus any travelling and incidental expenses.

So, i figure probably around 1K would cover it.

I know this LOOKS like a lot of money and it is. but if you think about it like this: i have 214 friends of facebook. 310 followers on twitter. of those aforementioned peeps, probably close to 50 are family members. IF 100 of my friends gave $10.00 each. The ENTIRE TRIP Would be COVERED! If 200 friends gave $5.00 each...you get the picture. That's like giving up one frappe at McDonald's or sbux.

The immediate need is $100.00 by Sunday July 4th. I already have my passport. I have the necessary experience having been to Haiti previously. I just need a little help from my Friends!

If you feel led to assist in this mission, you can contribute HERE. You will need my email address.(mommy668@yahoo.com) Also, it is completely free if you use your existing paypal or bank account. There is a small fee associated with  using a credit/debit card.

As always I ask that you pray and ask Gods leading in this, and ask the blessing of your prayers on this endeavor.

Peace, love & JOY!
pamela

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Where The Rubber Meets The Road

Okay folks...this is where the rubber meets the road. I've received the confirmation email from the folks at Courageous Church and a Home in Haiti. Thats the great news... the scary bit is that i have to have $500.00 cash dollars with $100.00 of it as a deposit by Sunday July 4th! (that's THIS Sunday) in order to participate in this mission trip to Haiti. WOWSERS!!!!

As most of you know, the last time i was in Haiti was in June of 1985. i celebrated my 17th birthday there. The beautiful twins in the header pic where patients of the clinic at Christianville where i volunteered. It was such a life changing experience for me. I would soooo LOVE to go back.

But here's the deal...i. am. flat. broke. My job ended on June 12th and i have been doing a little bit of private home health care, otherwise i am gainfully unemployed. I also have several other big financial commitments in the weeks just prior to this time frame. We are already doing a big yard sale to help cover those expenses. I am and always have been a firm believer that things happen the way they do for a reason. That maybe the reason that i have not been able to get a job yet is that God wanted me to be free for this opportunity. I believe that He can and does perform miracles EVERYDAY and that if its HIS will for me to go, He will provide a way.

So, If any of you feel led to assist in financing this trip, that would be AWESOMESAUCE! If you feel led to pray Gods will over me and the other folks considering this trip, that would be AWESOMESAUCE!

Thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughtful consideration. My paypal acct is HERE. You can also email me at mommy668@yahoo.com with any questions or concerns. You will need my email address for the paypal acct. Also, you can donate for FREE by using your existing paypal or bank account. There is a small fee is you choose to use your credit/debit card.

Peace, Love and JOY!
pamela

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Author Models Plan B

What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show up The Way You Thought He Would?

OK.

So i have totally been procrastinating writing my review of my friend Pete Wilson's new book, "Plan B".

My intention was to post it on the day the book was released nation wide, May 4, 2010. Then the weekend prior to that, the huge flood hit Tennessee and was particularly devastating to Nashville. Home to not only Pete and his family, but so many of my other friends and their families, plus my sister Melissa and her family live/work in the surrounding area.

I found myself rewriting my review. Initially i had written it from the perspective of "we all have a 'plan b' especially if we have family, kids, pets, etc" and peppered it with a little bit of humor.(cuz that's how i roll)

Suddenly it wasn't funny anymore. Suddenly my family and friends were living a devastating "Plan B". No homes, loss of cars, some friends lost family members. Reality bared it teeth and they were not pretty. Most folks did not have insurance and did not know where to start to even begin to pick up the pieces.

I'm sure a lot of these folks are feeling like God has turned His back on them.

Maybe even feeling like "God must be MAD at me?"


In his book, while writing on parallels between modern day and biblical times, Pete uses real life stories to offer hope, encouragement and honesty. In the powerful stories of the bible, Pete shows us how God can provide a "Plan B" and the outcome can be better than we ever dreamed for ourselves. The stories of David, Joshua & Joseph are awesome examples of this. David becomes King (not without his fair share of drama), Joshua has faith and crosses the Jordan and Joseph (dad's fave, thrown in a pit by jealous bros, adulterous, murderer & redeemed)

So...
In the book where Pete talks about trusting God, transformation through tragedy, and waiting on God to reveal your Plan B, I never imagined i would be witnessing Pete and friends living their Plan B quite so graphically or so quickly.  These folks have been living it with a grace and passion i have never seen. I pray that I should be able to face any Plan B's in my future with such courage of conviction and grace. I am blessed to call Pete friend.

*Thomas Nelson Publishers generously provided me with a copy of this book to read and review.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Permission To Speak Freely




As most of you know, two weeks ago i blogged about *Sally and her situation in a post called James 2:14-17. That post has generated a lot of comments, questions and controversy within the church i attend.

i was asked to remove the post. was accused of gossip and not being a *Christian. the leader who's words i repeated, (and he agreed they were his words) asked that we could have a conversation without it showing up in another blog post.
i think that was a reasonable enough request. i just don't know that i can continue to honor it.
the problem that i have with it is this; why would there be anything you couldn't say to me, about me, that couldn't be shared on a blog post? or that you would be embarrassed to have shared on a blog post. and why does it bug you so much that your words were repeated in the first place?


if we can't be transparent and authentic in church and with the church,



the BODY,



there is something really wrong with this picture.



If the folks who have commented on the blog post have to do so anonymously for fear of retribution and recrimination WITHIN the CHURCH,



there is a problem!



we should not need permission to speak freely!


why should we be afraid that we will not be loved or accepted by the body of Christ?

my good friend Anne Jackson is writing a book called Permission to Speak Freely.
maybe ya'll should check it out.
we should be free to speak our words in love and kindness.

in the real world.

you know.


where unicorns and leprechauns live.





*photo courtesy of Anne Jackson and Permission To Speak Freely. all rights reserved♥

More New Friends♥

K. So the other day I introduced you to my new friend Danielle and her blog, The Design Girl, and the fabulous giveaway she was doing.

Well, since then, one of the gals i've met via @incourage, Sarah Mae, has decided to do an amazing giveaway as well.

Unbelievable, i know.

Just wait til you see what it is.

Click here to see the deets and how YOU can participate.

Now the Awesomesauceness of it all is this: Sarah Mae has introduced me to another new friend. Gussy. i can't believe how blessed i am to meet all of these fabulous, fun, God-loving ladies.

How insanely creative and talented Gussy is. You just HAVE to check out her shop.

Looking for a cute and fun iphone holder? She's got it♥
Need an amazing briefcase or laptop bag? It's there♥
Organizer for your purse? Ditto♥

You're gonna love her schtuff. Just go see for yourself. You'll be glad you did♥

Monday, March 1, 2010

Love

I was reading my friend Carols blog and was struck by what she had to say about "loving one another".

Several years ago someone suggested to me to substitute my name for the word love in verses 4-7 of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. (which looks something like this)

pamela is patient (sometimes)
pamela is kind (usually)
pamela does not envy or boast (me? nevah)
pamela is not arrogant or rude (guilty as charged)
pamela does not insist on her own way (ditto)
pamela is not irritable or resentful (thats me before 10 am AND caffeine)
pamela does not rejoice at wrongdoing (ouch)
pamela rejoices at the truth (yes i do)

as i write these words, i am convicted by how far i've come and by how very far i still have to go.
i am so very thankful that :

Love bears all things.
Love believes all things.
Love hopes all things
Love endures all things.

LOVE NEVER ENDS.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

New Friends

I'd like to introduce you to one of my new friends. Her name is Danielle and she blogs over at The Design Girl.

Danielle is doing a fabulous giveaway that you have to check out. You can go here for the details and the ways to enter.

The gig is up tonight so you'll want to do this NOW! Go on. Check it out. You'll be glad you did♥

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Finally Finished

It is finished.

The boxes packed.

The men and trucks arrived.

The furniture has been moved.

The old place is gone.

The new place is now called Home.

Burdens have been lifted.

Prayers have been answered.

Hope has been made new.

Are these just thoughts about a move to a new physical address, or do they have a deeper meaning and context within our hearts?

Monday, February 22, 2010

When God Show's up, He Show's up BIG!

God provided an apartment for *Sally today.

God Provided 8 or so men and trucks to move Sally to said apartment.

God provided His hands and feet, ready and willing ,with open hearts and minds, ready to find a way to provide financial backing for above mentioned apartment.

God has provided many, many, many members of His body, who have come forth in prayer and petition, for *Sally for her gargantuan physical, spiritual and emotional needs.

God's people have shown up in amazing ways. Nate Loucks, James Conlin, Dave Woodson and the folks at Statestreet.tv. Kevin & Sue Prybylla, Norm & Jeanne Losiniecki , the folks at mscwired.org and Crystal Renaud of Dirty Girls Ministries. Thank you soooo much♥for your prayers, direction, donations and LOVE!

When God show's up, He show's up BIG!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Oh, How I Love Ambien!

So here's the thing. I have a sleep disorder. Its called "ifidon'tgetsleepi'mgonnagetdisorderly", and I take ambien at bedtime so that I can sleep.

Protocol is that one should take said medication, lay down in bed and prepare to sleep.

I've never been one for following the rules. (why should i start now, Right?)

Wrong!

Ambien is an amnesiac and when one takes it and does anything besides go to bed, one tends not to remember the events. Like writing blog posts.

This can be a good thing or this can be a not so good thing. The scary thing is finding out that one has written who knows what, tweeted about said post and asked friends to read said post and RT. ALL WHILE HAVING ABSOLUTELY NO RECOLLECTION AT ALL ABOUT IT.

So. I guess my lesson is to FOLLOW THE RULEZZzzzzzz.........

Thursday, February 18, 2010

THANK YOU!

WOW!

I just have to say THANK YOU!

Thank you to the Church.
To the Body.
The hands and feet of Christ who have so overwhelmingly and wholeheartedly and generously and WOW, opened their hearts and lives to *Sally.

To BE the Church and to love Her home.
To redemption.
To the arms of Jesus.

i am humbled
thank you.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

James 2:14-17

Ok. So. I'm just a wee bit bothered by THE Church. You know THE Church. The IN crowd. The cool kids. The leadership. The folks who get to decide who in the *Church* is deserving of "assistance" and who isn't.

There is a gal who is a *member* of my Church, but not a regular attender. Not one of the *cool* kids, or *the* group (ifyaknowwhatimean), any how, *Sally had breast cancer that was in remission. Found out several weeks ago that the cancer is back, it is in her spine and pelvis. Through circumstances beyond her control, She is being evicted from her home, her roof is falling in on it & has not had heat for three months (the furnace has been out). Sally is likely going to pass sooner rather than later.

Another member of our Church, a regular attender, not really a cool kid, but a servant of God, with a servants heart, went to one of the pastors of the Church to see what could be done. To see if a special offering could be collected as had been done in the past for others in similar situations. This person was told that at the risk of sounding cold hearted, "no" and that "in these economic times that they could not put the gold bowls out for anyone". When this member mentioned that *Sally would definitely be considered one of the least of these and that their family was supporting her, the member was told their family should be *wise* about such things".

I have to say first off that Haiti is very near and dear to my heart. I spent time there as a teenager on a mission trip in 1985. It changed me forever. I love the country and her people. However, how can you collect thousands of dollars for relief aid for people in another country, when you have a member of your OWN that is dying before your eyes and you are not willing to try and help. In your OWN Community. One of your OWN sisters.
The prominent thought in the verses noted above that really sticks out to me is this:
15. Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed", but does NOTHING about his physical needs, WHAT GOOD IS IT?
Anybody else have any thoughts or feelings on the subject?
*Sally's name has been changed for her protection.
**I am in no way genetically related to *Sally. I AM proud to call her a sister in CHRIST.
***for CLARIFICATION purposes, *Sally referred to in this post is not the same Sally reffered to in previous posts. K. we good. alright♥

Thursday, February 4, 2010

WOW!

WOW. wowie. wow. wow. WOW.

Is it just me, or did the last month just FLY by? I can't be sure where the time went, but here's a quick rundown of what i've been up to. are you ready? ok. lets go.

1.) have had 2 surgical procedures on my back. (eeks)
2.) have had 4 Pampered Chef shows. qualified as a consultant. (yay)
3.) peak tax season is back in full swing. (yay & eeks)
4.) started new Interchange session at CCC. (yay)
5.) got my computer replaced. (yay. yay. yay.)
6.) started attending the knitting/crochet group "Love Covers"

and among these things that have been a part of my daily routine, there have been many dramatic things happen in the world around me or with and to the people i love.
1.) earthquake in Haiti
2.) my good friend Becky's father passed away.
3.) my good friend Sheree lost her job.
4.) my friend Sally had surgery today for cancer.
5.) my sister Jenny is having ongoing chemo.
6.) Sally's son Jim had a heart attack and surgery.

even though it seems as if all of this bad news should be a reason for sadness and depression, my friends and i are hopeful. we are thankful. we are joy filled. we are resting in the comfort of our creators arms. we are blessed. we have faith that tomorrow will be a better day. how do we know this, you ask? cuz Jesus told us. how do you say WOW!

p.s. in a day or 2 i'll give you a rundown on how my book adventure is going♥ "Living Life In The Zone" by Rote & Pettigrew.

p.s.s. Please PRAY for my friend Anne as she and a group of pastors and missionaries head to Haiti to assess the needs of the people, and to love them and be the hands and feet of Christ. Anne has training in crisis intervention and is a pastor herself. She is an amazing person with a huge heart for the poor, marginalized and under "everything" people of this world. I am privileged to call her friend.

Monday, January 4, 2010

A New Day

In Honor of the New Year and the resolutions that normally go with it, I've decided to challenge myself in new and exciting ways along those same lines:

1. I will be reading and reviewing books for Thomas Nelson as a Book Review Blogger. I. am. so. excited! Can't wait to get my first selection, "Living Life In The Zone: A 40-Day Spiritual Guide For Men", and dig in. You're probably wondering why a chick is reviewing a spiritual study for men, right? Well...I have 3 sons, I work with the teens at church, and I want to be able to recommend an honest and relevant guide to them as they grow and mature.

2. Try and be in (and OF) the Word more consistently. Like my friend Joshua writes in his awesomesauce post "I Am Batman", "I would rather read a book by Donald Miller or Rick McKinley or Rob Bell or Mark Driscoll than read my Bible." Kinda sad.

3. I want to be healthy. Physically. Mentally. Spiritually. Relationally. Whatever that means for me. Whatever it takes. PERIOD!

I really don't like resolutions. I feel like its setting yourself up for failure. I do like Donald Millers idea of living a better story. I don't know about you, but I think maybe that's the ticket for me.

Here's to a better story in 2010♥
Peace, Love & Joy