I sat in the driveway of the car repair shop waiting for my husband to pay for the latest fix on our aging mini-van. As I did, I spied a sign on a garage nearby. It said, “Imagine Your Perfect Day”.

A perfect day.

Well, since I had a small chunk of time alone as I sat there, I obeyed the colorful sign and started to do a little imagining. Now, my mind could have wandered to a far off land with exciting site-seeing and exotic food. I could have dreamed of meeting someone famous or starring on opening night in a Broadway play amidst the cheers of adoring fans. 

But with yet another ‘daily day’ ahead of me that morning, I simply thought of imagining my perfect ordinary day.

First, I’d get to sleep in. Yep–no one to get up and out the door. No hubby waking me up when he arises BEFORE 5:00 am!!!! Once up, my coffee would be magically waiting for me–a tall, decaf, skinny mocha with a shot of mint. I’d sip it out on the deck in the warm sun while reading my Bible and praying. 

Then, it would be time to work. But wait!!! I’d look around my house and the work would be already done. No laundry, dusting, cooking, straightening or school work. My dear family would be happily going about their days. Boys out pitching baseballs to each other; Kenz chatting on her computer; Todd puttering in the yard.

They’d give me the day off.

So, I trek of to Lansing to kidnap my mom. We’d stroll through some antique malls, with no kids in tow. We’d eat at a lovely cafe.  Then, I’d go back home so I could enjoy my favorite, but seldom experienced past-time–TAKING A NAP!!!!  Once awake, I tune into talk radio—not a music station— and listen UNITERRUPTED while lying on the couch eating dark chocolate and fruit.

Dinner would also appear on the table complete with all my family’s favorites and we’d enjoy a wonderful time of laughing. Then, that evening,  Todd and I would take in a play at the university—Phantom of the Opera would suffice. 

Home. Bubble bath. Candle light. Soft, warm pajamas. 

Blessed sleep.

I can only imagine…..

Now–back to reality. That might be my perfect day, but my real day today looks more like this: school, answering emails,catching up on paperwork piles, getting groceries, cleaning house; addressing Kenz’s open house invitations and scrounging up some supper. Then falling asleep in a heap of exhaustion only to do it all over again.

But we can imagine, …….can’t we?

Well I imagine I’d better announce the winner of Micca Campbell’s book An Untroubled Heart. It is:

April 27, 2009 at 10:44 am 

Congrats Molly!!! Contact Micca at micca@proverbs31.org to give her your home address.

To the rest of you, stay tuned in over the next several weeks for more Spring Has Sprung give aways!!

Happy ‘Daily Day’,

Happy Monday, everyone. I just returned from a fan-tabulous weekend with the awesome ladies of Peace Lutheran Church in Beavercreek, Ohio. What a great time I had!! Everything was so well done–from the planning to the decor to the delicious lunch made and served by the men of the church to the dozens of cool door prizes they gave away. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and, after two days alone in a beautiful hotel, feel refreshed and renewed AND ready for the second installment of our Spring Has Sprung Give Away. 

Today, meet my dear friend and fellow Proverbs 31 speaker Micca Campbell. She is a prayer warrior, godly Bible teacher, home decorating expert, funny lady, inspiring writer and awesome speaker. Oh…..and about the speaking part….she has the thickest southern accent you’ll ever hear. She jokes that when she speaks here in the Midwest, she needs an interpreter!!!! Good thing you are reading this instead of listening!!!

Micca knows all too well the unpredictable nature of life. As the 21-year-old mother of an infant son, her world was shattered when she lost her husband to a tragic accident. Reeling from her loss, Micca feared for her future, and struggled to overcome her aching loneliness. Yet in her darkest moment, she discovered God’s remedy for our deepest fears. In Micca’s book, An Untroubled Heart, she presents a woman’s guide for living a carefree, worry-free life. She explores the anxieties of every woman’s heart from insecurities, to finances, to marital challenges, to raising healthy children. You’ll be encouraged to lay down your worries, trust in your Heavenly Father, and embrace a life marked by peace and joy. Bible Study Questions at the end of each chapter. Micca is also a national speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries who is touching and transforming the lives of thousands across the US.

 

 

Micca, tell me a little bit about what life is like at your house these days.

In one word—busy. I have two teenagers so my life consist of what every other woman’s life consist of who also have teens. My world is filled with homework, baseball, hormones, report cards, and a lack of energy! 

You went through a real time of testing in your young adult life. Tell us what happened.

 I awoke one morning alone, a new mother, and a widow at the age of 21. I met my husband Porter at nineteen. He was such a looker that my friends had only one word to describe him—“Mercy!” He had a cute little dimple in the middle of his chin and a picture perfect smile. His eyes were like deep pools of rich chocolate that his brown, wavy hair framed and nestled on his collar. Most important, was his way of seeing the best in me and others always putting his self last before the needs of his family, friends, and co-workers. Porter was the perfect package both inside and out.

We didn’t date long before we were married. When our son came along a year and half later, life was going just as I had always planned. It couldn’t have been better. I was living “the fairytale.” Then, tragedy struck.

While waterproofing the basement of my sister’s home, there was an explosion that left my husband badly burnt over 80% of his body. He lived in excruciating pain for eight days at Vanderbilt burn center before he died. When the funeral was over and the people were gone, I realized I was living my worst fear—the death of my spouse.

 

The newspaper called me a survivor. I didn’t feel like a survivor. Instead I was consumed with fear, grief, and anger. That’s the bad news. The good news is that with each passing day, my future grew brighter as I clung to God and His promises.

 

In my book, I take the reader along on my journey as I moved from fear to faith. This is the life that God intends for us. While this world is full of things that can cause us to fear, God doesn’t want us to become worry-warts. Because we were created to live by faith and not fear, a worry-free life is possible for all.

 

How did you get the idea to write this book?

Having faced every woman’s greatest fear and, indeed, surviving, I knew I had to write a guide that would encourage others in their anxieties. Whether your concern is due to illness, a strained marriage, the unknown future, or you’re a fear driven parent, there’s hope. My desire was to share that hope so that others could find freedom from fear.

What have been some of the biggest fears you have faced or still face today?

That night when my husband didn’t come home for dinner, I waited and waited on a phone call that never came. It wasn’t until my dad arrived at my front door that I became aware of the accident. So, when a loved one of mine is running late and they fail to call me, I imagine the worst! That’s because our past fears tend to fuel our present fears. Until we are willing to invite God into our present, we will continue to be haunted by our past.

What to you most want women to know about facing their fears, whether big or small?

I want women to know that a life worry-fear life is possible. 

Are there any verses that are especially meaningful to you on this subject?

Yes. There are several that I discuss in my book, but since we have limited space here today I’ll share one with you.

Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am you God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

In this verse, God gives us 5 reasons not to fear:

Fear not—I am with you

Fear not—I am your God

Fear not—I will strengthen you

Fear not—I will help you

Fear not—I will uphold you

That’s support we can bank on!

You’ll be offering a giveaway to our readers this week. What is it?

I’d love to give away a copy of my book, An Untroubled Heart. We all have something that spooks us. No matter what your fear is, my book provides practical and spiritual ways to be an over-comer.

Thanks so much for visiting with us here today, Micca and for encouraging us as we face our fears.

It’s been my pleasure, Karen.

Now for the give away…..

Leave a comment here. It can be anything that has anything to do with fear. What fears you face or have faced in your life. What verses speak to you. Why you could use this book on fear–whether for you or a friend. Or if your day is swamped, just leave a comment and say “I’m in!!” I’ll announce the winner mid-week.

Sweet Trusting-not-Fearing blessings,

 

Don’t forget to tune in Monday when I’ll be hosting my second Spring Has Sprung giveaway. I’ll be interviewing my friend and fellow Proverbs 31 speaker Micca Campbell about her new book An Untroubled Heart. Join us!!

I have a dilemma at my house these days.

My boys think I don’t buy “real food”.

Now, I can make as mean a meatloaf as the next gal. My pot pies win rave reviews every time. I bake cookies; whip up brownies; why I even sometimes grind my own wheat and bake bread from scratch. 

So what, prey tell, is “real food”? I asked them this the other day as I was headed to the grocery store to purchase the week’s bounty.

“You know, real food. Like Curtis’ mom has, or Jake’s. They always have Doritos in the house and lots of Mountain Dew. You never buy pop.” (No, I don’t except for special occasions. That’s what good moms do; or so I thought)

“And they have huge cases of Ramen noodles from Sam’s Club around all the time. They buy gi-normous cases of pizza rolls and Sunny D and stuff. Would it kill ya to buy some Kool-aid? Geeesh….Their moms know what real food is.”

Hmmmm….. Now, I have been known to buy some of these things some of the time. I might get some pizza rolls to munch on while we watch American Idol. I guess my boys beef is that I don’t buy huge quantities so they can eat it whenever they want.

Guess that makes me a bad mom. What they don’t know is that it is a badge I wear with honor.

Now, gotta run. I am headed to speak to the sweet ladies at Peace Lutheran Church in Beavercreek, Ohio this weekend. My fam will be on their own.

Ding, ding, ding…..that means it is a special occasion!!!

I’ve already stocked the pantry with Ramen noodles and Kool-aid.

Only.

They’ll be craving my cooking when I come home!!!

Sweet Weekend Blessings,

Hi all. I am busy helping Spencer study for his homeschool academy medieval history exam….Joan of Arc, Frederick II, John Wycliffe, Dante’, Chaucer, St. Francis of Assisi, the Ming Dynasty, the Hundred Years War…..I don’t think I learned about these events and people until college!!!! 

Needless to say….my brain is numb. But, I do have time to hop on and announce the winners of this week’s giveaway. If you are a winner, contact me at karenehman64@aol.com to give me your mailing address (and t-shirt size if you won the t-shirt). 

The winners are:

Caroline: timestamp:

April 20, 2009 at 11:42 am

You win the Biblical Variety Pack!

 

Wendi timestamp:

April 21, 2009 at 9:04 am

You win the Inspirational Variety Pack!

 

and…

 

Jill timestamp:

April 21, 2009 at 12:25 pm

You win the t-shirt!!!

 

Congrats ladies!!!!

 

Don’t forget for the rest of you that Jane from Get It In Your Soul is offering free shipping for my blog readers until June 15th. Enter the discount code karen at check out.

 

Back to the books now for me…..

 

Sweet Thursday Blessings,

Here is the first interview in our Spring Has Sprung Give Away. Enjoy!

Do you struggle with negative thoughts and self-talk? You know, those audio reels that play through your mind telling you you are not worthy or that you can’t do what you desire to do—–change your attitude, lose weight, tame your tongue, trust in God? Oh, and do you spend good chunks of time in your car or van?

Well, have I got a resource for you!!! Meet my new friend Jane Brown and her ministry Get It In Your Soul.

Jane started Get It In Your Soul in April of 2006 after many years of contemplating how she could capitalize on the time she spent in her vehicle.  She noticed how items placed on the dashboard of her car created a reflection on the windshield and began thinking about ways to use those reflections productively. 

Prior to launching Get It In Your Soul, Jane worked as a picture editor and photographer for two national publications.  She also established and ran a retail computer software business.  

 In 2005, Jane began to focus on developing the Get It In Your Soul concept.  Drawing on past personal experience, Jane felt compelled to finally create a product that would provide positive Bible-based affirmation messages that could lift her day and provide a short message of inspiration that would fit her mood and state of mind.  She spent time researching various versions of the Bible and paraphrasing Scripture verses into positive life application statements.    Following two years of product development, Jane officially launched Get It In Your Soul’s Driving Reflections in March of 2007 to the retail market place.  She is a member the Christian Booksellers Association, The US Christian Chamber of Commerce, EWomen Network, Women in Networking, the Advertising Specialties Institute, and the Promotional Products Association International. 

 

NOW FOR OUR INTERVIEW AND GIVE AWAY…..

Jane, tell me a little bit about what life is like at your house these days.

It’s a balancing act with 4 kids, two businesses and a dog.  My son, John, is finishing his 1^st year at the US Military Academy at West Point and is on the Triathlon Team. Katie is ½ way through receiving her teaching certificate and is the lead classroom teacher for 1-year olds at the Best Buy Corporate Day Care center. Maggie, my 13-year old, has just begun the spring swim season for club swimming, and Emily, my 13-year old step daughter is finishing up her volleyball season. Our English Lab, Titus has just turned 1-year. My husband, Mike, is a Captain on the 757 for Northwest, now transitioning to Delta. We have a lake home that we’re almost done finishing, and we help each other on our businesses, his being Advertoys.net, manufacturing wood toy trucks and vehicles for the promotional products industry. With all this activity, I am very intentional to create balance in my time for the family, my health (training with a body builder), and my spiritual health (I begin training this summer to become a Spiritual Director).

How did you get the idea to start “Get It In Your Soul”?

Years ago I was going through some very difficult times in my former marriage and finding great strength through Bible study.  I began to create affirmations from the Word to rebuild my life and transform my doubt and fears.  One day I had a parking pass on my dash and kept looking at the words reflected and thought, “That would be so cool with my affirmations!”  In October of 2005, God woke me up at 4am and said, “Now’s the time!”  I protested for about ½ a second and then thought, “If God’s behind it He will make a way”.  As I continued to research the scriptures for promises that uplifted and inspired in many areas of our lives, God directed me to work at my church’s bookstore to learn Christian Retail.  I launched Driving Reflections Biblical titles in March 2007 and had such a great response of testimonies from people.  Many also asked for titles that would be helpful for their friends and family that didn’t have scripture references and thus the Inspirational titles were launched in January 2008, expanding the reach of Biblically based motivational messages to the general gift market.

How do your packs work and why are they helpful for women to have when they are out driving?

It’s as easy as 1-2-3!  Select one of 16 messages in your set, place it on the dash and drive happy! Choose from 24 topical sets to transform your thinking for only $9.99. 

They are helpful for women because so much time is spent in our cars these days it’s become our personal think tank or prayer mobile.  We’re overwhelmed with everyday stresses and thoughts of doubt and discouragement.  I created Driving Reflections® to help transform these bad thought habits with God’s word. They have a positively profound effect on a user’s day.

What do you hope to accomplish by providing these creative products for Christians?

To help people empower their thinking to a Kingdom mindset and take ownership of God’s promises.  It all rests in the power of our minds and our beliefs…that’s where Driving Reflections and Ps. 23:7 “As a man thinketh, so is he” combine to make a powerful tool to help you break free from limiting thought patterns.  You realize you do have the power to take ownership of God’s promises and believe the best!

Tell us a little bit about some of the different packs you carry.

Whether it’s issues of health, finances, guidance, or living your dreams, Driving Reflections are available in 12 Biblical or 12 Inspirational topical sets, so there’s something for everybody.  The following are some examples from some of the sets:

            God is able to meet all my needs completely.   2 Cor. 9:8 (From the Blessing/Prosperity set)

            My heartfelt prayers have effective power and purpose.  Jms. 5:16 (From the Comfort/Assurance set)

            My faith hopes confidently that what I hope for is not impossible for God.  Heb.11:1-4 (Empowerment/Faith set)

            I don’t worry as my faith is in God who knows my every need.  Matt. 6:25-33 (From the Worry Free Living set)

You are so sweet to chat with us today and, on top of that, you’ll be offering a giveaway to the readers. What is it?

One of the Biblical Variety Packs, one of the Inspirational Variety Packs, and one of my new Reflection T’s in long sleeve.  The message “Nothing is impossible with God” Lk.1:37 is written backwards so as you see yourself in reflected moments during the day you have a positive message back to you.  Another great way to Get It In Your Soul!

Thanks so much for visiting with us here today, Jane and for helping us to “Get it in Our Soul!”

Thank you, Karen for giving me the opportunity to share Driving Reflections with your readers!   As an extra bonus, your readers can use discount code “karen” and receive free shipping on their order through June 15, 2009.  They make great Mothers-Fathers Day gifts as well as teacher and grad gifts.  Blessings to you!

Now for the give away…..

If you would like to be entered in the drawing to receive the two packs and that way cool t-shirt, leave us a simple comment today. It can be why you’d want to be the winner or even a favorite scripture verse that you like to meditate upon. I’ll leave this post up until mid-week when then winner will be announced.

Here’s hoping you too can Get It In Your Soul!!!!

Happy Driving,

***NOTE: Don’t forget to check back in Monday for a special “Spring Has Sprung” giveaway.

Tonight is my daughter’s senior prom.

She has attended the same homeschool academy since fourth grade with a fabulous staff and a fantastic group of friends. Tonight they will don their best suits and finest dresses and spend a night filled with fanciness and fun. 

Dinner.

A dance. No, not a traditional high school dance like I oft attended with the low lights, somewhat questionable music and much-too-much touching going on between the young folks. This is traditional in a different sense of the word. Traditional as in ballroom dancing; with an instructor; and classical music. Yesiree, this dance will be the kind where young men and women will learn the proper way to dance.

Then comes the all-nighter, complete with swimming and skating and rock climbing and tons of munchies.

What fun they will have.

This afternoon, all of the girls will be bustling about getting their pedicures, manicures and fancy up-dos. They will be making every effort to be beautiful. 

On the outside.

No better day than today to talk about real beauty. The more-than-skin-deep kind. The kind that shines because of who someone is and what they can offer, not simply because of what they look like.

I, along with millions of other people around the world, have stumbled onto such a person. She made me burst with joy and cry my eyes out at the same time.

Why, even the stoic Simon Cowell was visibly moved by her. PLEASE, if you haven’t seen this clip on You Tube of singing wannabe Susan Boyle, take a moment now to watch it. Then pop back over here to read the rest of this post. To watch it, click HERE now.

Are you back? Are you in shock as I was at the angelic voice of this woman? I could not believe what a pure and professional voice she had. In an instant, this plain looking, middle aged woman turned into the picture of beauty on my laptop screen. But then, I have always been a root-for-the-underdog type of gal. I thought she was beautiful because she dared to go on that stage and live her dream at the age of 47.

Then I found out what she has been doing for the past 47 years.

That is when, in my eyes, she went from beautiful straight to pageant queen status. I have not been able to stop thinking about it since I saw her. I have so wanted to put these feelings into words. Someone  at the Scotland Herald already has, and very eloquently, I might add. Please pop over and read this short piece and then return here once more. For the link, click HERE.

The calibre of her character.

May all of Eve’s daughters, prom-going-teens included, strive to make the most beautiful thing about us the calibre of our character.

God bless you Susan Doyle. You epitomize true beauty.

“Your adornment must not be merely external–braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” I Peter 3:2-4

Sweet True-Beauty Blessings,

First of all, I want to thank all of you who have prayed for our family since my husband received his layoff notice from General Motors on Christmas Eve. We have been blown away by the emails, comments, prayers, and well wishes that came to us through cyberspace and humbled by the handwritten notes, store and gas gift cards and anonymous money that we sent into Proverbs 31 Ministries to be forwarded to us. Your prayers and tangible gifts have gotten us through the past three and a half months and have blessed our hearts deeply.

Now….so you can see that God indeed answers prayer. Let me tell you what my handsome hubby did this morning.

Put on a uniform, packed a lunch and headed out the door at 5:00 a.m.

Yep. He got called back to work!!!!

We received a certified letter in the mail a week ago Friday letting us know he was to report back. Seems twice the number of people they expected decided to take a buyout (a new car and roughly $12,000 cash after taxes) to leave GM or retire early. That meant that Todd’s name bumped up the line enough that he is needed back at work.

Now, he just called and has already been told he may only work 2-3 weeks at a time and then be laid off for 1-2 weeks, but he is on the rolls again!!! And, to top it all off, since the economy is so slow, they are only running one shift, so for nearly the first time in 12 years, he will work days. Yipppeee!! We can eat supper as a family like the rest of the world! And Todd will be able to go to the boys’ baseball games too!!!!

We are thrilled!!!

Thanks again to all of you for your care. You mean soooooo much to our family!!

Now, I’m off to start some homemade spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove; Todd’s favorite supper.

He’ll be tired after a full day’s work.

Thank you Jesus!

Sweet Factory-Father Blessings,

“Are you sure you don’t want to get him a gift card to WalMart or Game Stop?” I asked my eleven-year-old son Spencer.

“Nope. I’m sure. Now will you take it off the wall so I can wrap it up and give it to him?”

“It” is Spencer’s prized possession; his autographed picture of his favorite singer, Christian musician TobyMac. I was able to secure some back stage passes over a year ago through an event I was speaking at in Illinois. TobyMac was giving a concert at a nearby university and the radio station I had contact with through my weekly radio spot was kind enough to let my boys have a chance to go backstage and hang with Toby before the concert began.

It was Spencer’s thrill of a lifetime.

So imagine my surprise when he was invited to a birthday slumber party this weekend for a friend from his homeschool academy and he announced he was giving the birthday boy that signed picture of his favorite star. I tried to talk him out of it. He wouldn’t listen. He assured me that this boy would probably never get to go backstage and obtain an audience with TobyMac, even though he was his favorite singer too.

” Mom,” he pleaded. “I have met the real him. Seth hasn’t. I really want to give him this. It will make him so happy.”

And, he reasoned, when God needed to send a saviour to earth, He sent his prize possession, his only Son Jesus not “some dumb ole’ gift card.”

I guess this mom just needed a visual reminder of a Good Friday lesson.

I’m off to wrap up some sacrificial love.

Happy Resurrection weekend everyone.

Easter Blessings,

Welcome to those of you who joined me through the devotion I have running at Proverbs 31. If you haven’t read it, click here.

Do you find it hard to follow God? I do. My self-reliant personality would much rather do things myself; make my own plans; forge my own path. And being a mom, where many decisions have to be made and actions taken, only worsens the problem. After all, “mother knows best” right?

Not always. But God does.

It has been a long hard road for me to learn that God knows best and that sometimes other people’s ways are smarter than mine. Which includes my husband. YIKES!!!

You see I am also a card-carrying member of “control freaks anonymous”. I want to control all of the decisions in my home and marriage too.

Can you relate?

What has helped me is to study the lives of biblical characters who went their own way; who didn’t consult their Father. The results were disastrous, at best. Sometimes downright deadly.

So read about the lives of Sarah and Abraham, who lied to try to change circumstances. Or Joshua, who was tricked by an entire Gibeonite army, who seemed like they were from afar with their moldy bread and old wineskins, but who were actually from nearby and dangerous. No one bothered to inquire of the Lord whether or not to believe them. The result was not pretty. 

There are others–Ananias and Sapphira.They met an awful fate for going their own way. Or even those biblical characters who did hear from God and knew what they should do, but refused to do it. Ahem…Jonah? Anyone up for riding around in the belly of a whale for a three day trip?

I pray that all of us learn to pause. In the small things and the monumental. To consult God before answering a child or responding to our husbands. And to seek Him out before making a major decision.

As a result, we will spend much less time wandering and more time walking in step with our Creator.

How about you. How do you practically follow God in your daily life?

Sweet Follow-the-Leader Blessings,