I'm sure you've all seen the show, "Biggest Loser," about pleasantly plump people who desire to lose the most weight and win the prize money. The school where I teach decided to have our own contest...those interested put up $10 each, weighed in, and will weigh in again on the last day of school before the Christmas Holidays. A total of 20 people signed up...so the prize is a cool $200...right before Christmas...so, yeah, I could use that to buy a lot of jingle bells!
It sure sounded like a great idea...but what about the timing...I mean, we have to go through Thanksgiving holidays in the middle of this contest. What was I thinking? Timing is a crucial factor in just about anything - a race, a comedian's punch line, engine timing...and the timing of this contest is a true test of will power. Not to mention being married to one of the best cooks on the planet...Danny Musso!
Let's get back to timing - "the spacing of events in time." The definition seems so simple, and yet I think about God's timing. Although at times, I don't understand why the answers to my prayers aren't immediate, I'm certain of one thing...He is large and in charge. He knows what I need and when I need it. He provides the answers at the moment that will have the greatest impact on my life. I believe that sometimes God's timing is used as a discipline, it invokes trust, total reliance, and patience!
God is totally aware of how many grains of sand can fit through the narrow center of the hour glass at one time...He is very selective of which grains will fall and when. My part in this is to wait...to listen...and to surrender all! Can I do this? Sure...but there will be the occasional "time outs" that I will experience along the way. These "time outs" are for my brain to catch up with my heart, and for my heart to catch up with "the heart of the Father!"
So...here we go...carrot sticks, Special K, salads...I'm on it!
Love,
Momma Moose
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Don't Wake Me Up...
This past weekend about 1300 women had the privilege of attending Healing Place Church's first (now annual) "Live The Dream" conference. There are no words to describe the empowerment that flowed down from heaven through vessels like Chris Caine, Holly Wagner, and the and courageous Tammy Trent! I very rarely take a day off from work...but I treated myself to the entire conference; Thursday night, all day Friday, and Saturday morning. And I'm so glad I did! These messages of hope, faith and strong belief were powerful and motivating!
There were many tears shed, just as many laughs, and a full altar at the end of the conference...women who were laying it out there...seeking forgiveness and a Savior! Just in case you are wondering, they received BOTH!
To DeLynn and the LTD Team, the months of preparation, planning, details, and incredible labor proved to produce fruit for the Kingdom...be proud...you've accomplished one huge task! Thank you seems inadequate for the encouragement and guidance that spilled from the altar...but I'll say it anyway, thank you!
Blessings to you and yours,
Momma Moose
There were many tears shed, just as many laughs, and a full altar at the end of the conference...women who were laying it out there...seeking forgiveness and a Savior! Just in case you are wondering, they received BOTH!
To DeLynn and the LTD Team, the months of preparation, planning, details, and incredible labor proved to produce fruit for the Kingdom...be proud...you've accomplished one huge task! Thank you seems inadequate for the encouragement and guidance that spilled from the altar...but I'll say it anyway, thank you!
Blessings to you and yours,
Momma Moose
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Hearts That Hurt
About 2-1/2 years ago God brought this family into our lives. An amazing single mother, Jennifer, and her two incredible children, TBarry, and Madison! The friendship that formed was truly "all God!" Today this precious family is going home to Illinois...and I must say, we all have heavy hearts! But I believe that this is part of God's plan, it says so in Jeremiah 29:11. The faith that has been displayed by this trio of goodness is something that we can all aspire to possess...a deep faith that is unwavering...no matter what this world uses to try and "shake" it!
Our lives are richer for having known them, they will be forever in our hearts...and in the house of God! I look at this as the beginning...not the end...of many trips to Illinois! I look at this as part of the tapestry of life, with a thread coming into the pattern here and weaving out of the pattern there...but still a vital part of the weave!
My prayer is that God will show them more mercy and grace than they have ever known...and reveal to them the reason that He needs them up there in Illinois! We love you Jennifer, TBarry, and Madison!
Momma Moose
Our lives are richer for having known them, they will be forever in our hearts...and in the house of God! I look at this as the beginning...not the end...of many trips to Illinois! I look at this as part of the tapestry of life, with a thread coming into the pattern here and weaving out of the pattern there...but still a vital part of the weave!
My prayer is that God will show them more mercy and grace than they have ever known...and reveal to them the reason that He needs them up there in Illinois! We love you Jennifer, TBarry, and Madison!
Momma Moose
Saturday, August 11, 2007
A New Year
For those of us who teach school the month of August holds many things...one of those things is hope! As we returned to school last week to ready our rooms, sit in meetings, and begin planning, I realized something. The excitement in the air is energizing, the anticipation of a whole new group of students is motivating, the possibilities on the horizon are endless! These three factors; excitement, anticipation, endless possibilities, are all intertwined with hope!
As I meditated on this, it became increasingly evident that hope is a wonderful platform on which to stand. Can you imagine the hope that God has? Especially on days like Easter Sunday or Christmas Day? His hope is that all of His creation will someday return to Him...this may seem "hopeless" to us...but to God it's the foundation of creation! He continues to "hope" for us, even when we fall from grace.
I saw another type of hope this past week among some teachers. Unfortunately it was not the "hope" of God...it was a selfish "hope" - "I hope to God I don't have _______ in my class this year...I don't know if I will be able to handle him or her!" Instead of seeing ______ as an opportunity, some teachers see _______ as a punishment.
So...I guess my hope for this school year is that I will be a light, be able to listen carefully and guide correctly, see the hearts of the students and be able to penetrate those hearts with the love, hope, and compassion of Christ.
Have a blessed day,
Stephanie
As I meditated on this, it became increasingly evident that hope is a wonderful platform on which to stand. Can you imagine the hope that God has? Especially on days like Easter Sunday or Christmas Day? His hope is that all of His creation will someday return to Him...this may seem "hopeless" to us...but to God it's the foundation of creation! He continues to "hope" for us, even when we fall from grace.
I saw another type of hope this past week among some teachers. Unfortunately it was not the "hope" of God...it was a selfish "hope" - "I hope to God I don't have _______ in my class this year...I don't know if I will be able to handle him or her!" Instead of seeing ______ as an opportunity, some teachers see _______ as a punishment.
So...I guess my hope for this school year is that I will be a light, be able to listen carefully and guide correctly, see the hearts of the students and be able to penetrate those hearts with the love, hope, and compassion of Christ.
Have a blessed day,
Stephanie
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Before My World Awakes
In my house I am just about the only one who enjoys early mornings...it's not because I set my alarm or anything, I just wake up...usually between 4:30 and 5:00. I've learned that this is probably a self preservation thing...it allows me to have time all by myself. This time is extremely important because it affords me the opportunity to do my quiet time, journaling, blogging, and bible reading...uninterupted!
This may not seem like a big deal to most of you, but it's huge to me! On the days where I don't get to do this I am living undirected...things are just about a half a bubble off! I haven't allowed myself to be still, listen, and be guided by the Holy Spirit. Not a way that I want to "do life!"
Even though I constantly seek the will of the Father throughout each day, the mornings are always supreme! Maybe this has significance because with each new dawn comes another day - filled with the mercy and grace of our Lord. Another day given to me to try and make some difference in this world. Another day to be able to speak His name and grow in His love!
If you start the day off with things in the right perspective, success will soon follow! So...I'm off to another day! Be blessed!
Love,
Momma Moose
This may not seem like a big deal to most of you, but it's huge to me! On the days where I don't get to do this I am living undirected...things are just about a half a bubble off! I haven't allowed myself to be still, listen, and be guided by the Holy Spirit. Not a way that I want to "do life!"
Even though I constantly seek the will of the Father throughout each day, the mornings are always supreme! Maybe this has significance because with each new dawn comes another day - filled with the mercy and grace of our Lord. Another day given to me to try and make some difference in this world. Another day to be able to speak His name and grow in His love!
If you start the day off with things in the right perspective, success will soon follow! So...I'm off to another day! Be blessed!
Love,
Momma Moose
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Blessings...and Hope For The Future
It's been quite a while since my last post, but the "lazy days of summer" aren't really that lazy! During the last month I've been so amazed at the blessings of our Father and the stirred up hearts of our youth...it just astounds me! I was fortunate enough to be able to attend one of the services during the Submerge Summer Camp for our Refuge group at San Destin. From the moment they opened the doors and the teenagers came pouring in, there was an energy present...this energy was more than just excitement. It was none other than the Holy Spirit, fueled by the power of our Savior, manifesting itself in the hearts and minds of tomorrow's generation. These young men and women were on fire, pumped up, and basking in the love of Jesus Christ. The leaders planned, and more importantly executed, such a fantastic evening of games, strong "expresso" worship, and then Reverend Spike delivered a great message quoting the apostle Paul and his specific guidance to Timothy about being young, but also being respected by his elders. What a blessing it was for me to be able to be witness to such an event!
After the summer camp, we're back to the same routine, but with a twist! Now many of the Refuge members are gearing up for the mission trip to L.A. Dream Center. Morning prayer is an integral part of their preparation. To see these young people getting up at the crack of dawn, placing themselves in the secret place where God can speak into their lives, and realizing that this is what it is all about is truly a blessing! The discipline that they have in this area is something that can only come from the Father...because I remember when I was 16 or 17 years old...getting up at 5:00 a.m. to be at church for 6:00 a.m. was not my idea of fun!
I know that Jesus will take them from great to greater during this trip. He will broaden their insight into the work of the Kingdom, He will strengthen their faith, He will increase and they will decrease! To be able to observe the changes in this group is a blessing to me!
Till later,
Momma Moose
After the summer camp, we're back to the same routine, but with a twist! Now many of the Refuge members are gearing up for the mission trip to L.A. Dream Center. Morning prayer is an integral part of their preparation. To see these young people getting up at the crack of dawn, placing themselves in the secret place where God can speak into their lives, and realizing that this is what it is all about is truly a blessing! The discipline that they have in this area is something that can only come from the Father...because I remember when I was 16 or 17 years old...getting up at 5:00 a.m. to be at church for 6:00 a.m. was not my idea of fun!
I know that Jesus will take them from great to greater during this trip. He will broaden their insight into the work of the Kingdom, He will strengthen their faith, He will increase and they will decrease! To be able to observe the changes in this group is a blessing to me!
Till later,
Momma Moose
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Pamper Night... & Toes Give Me A New Insight
HP Women have been gearing up for this night for months...hours of planning and organizing, all to provide "services" that are not a part of the regular routine of most women. Fabulous food, manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, the atmosphere was that of a high end spa. Now...I'm not a very primpy person...I don't spend too much time on my makeup, hair, or clothes. I'm most comfortable when I'm in a pair of old, comfy jeans and a t-shirt.
My friend, Bert, encouraged me to come to Pamper Night. I told her that I really didn't get into all that...but I would love to come help out. So I arrived last night and was greeted by wonderful women who wanted to show me the way to the services that were provided. I quickly told them that I was here to help out, to work wherever they needed me. They led me to a person who was "in charge" and she said that they needed someone in the "pedicure" area to remove the toenail polish from the feet of ladies who were waiting to get a pedicure. Man...was God checking my heart! Here I was desiring servanthood...and He places me at the crusty feet of women who had come expecting pampering...OK, now was the time for me to place the towel on my arm; or better yet, a nail polish remover soaked cotton ball in my hand and get to work. In a day of "me-first mentality" it is beneficial for us to be called back to a heart of service to others.
One of the funny things about this job was the look on some of the ladies faces when I told them to sit down and let me remove the old polish. They were shocked..."you're going to touch my feet? Are you sure you want to do this? Really...I can do it myself." I had a time convincing some of them that this was part of the "pampering!" Just sit back, enjoy your chocolate covered snacks, and let me prep you for your pedicure!
But the highlight of my night was when this elderly lady sat down with her plate of scrumptious goodies, looking a bit like a "doe in the headlights." I knelt down at her feet, introduced myself, and ask her to remove her sandals do I could take off her old polish. She immediately looked embarassed, and starting apologizing for her feet. I tried to get her to relax...and allow me to do this, and then she started telling me "her story." It was fabulous...she was 75 years old, had never before in her life had a pedicure, and her feet were calloused and cracked because of years of working barefoot in a cotton field. She was one of 13 children who's father was a plantation foreman and everybody worked from dawn to dusk in the fields...even the children. She was so excited about the night, she said that she felt like a queen, something that she had never experienced! What an incredible time for me...for HPC...I can't quit thinking about her! I believe that, through service, God wants us to make an impression on our community, a mark on the lives of His people, He wants us to leave His fingerprints everywhere we go.
I had an awesome time last night...and from the toenails of many women, God gave me some new insight into the heart of His Son...who came to earth as a servant!
Have a blessed day -
Love,
Momma Moose
My friend, Bert, encouraged me to come to Pamper Night. I told her that I really didn't get into all that...but I would love to come help out. So I arrived last night and was greeted by wonderful women who wanted to show me the way to the services that were provided. I quickly told them that I was here to help out, to work wherever they needed me. They led me to a person who was "in charge" and she said that they needed someone in the "pedicure" area to remove the toenail polish from the feet of ladies who were waiting to get a pedicure. Man...was God checking my heart! Here I was desiring servanthood...and He places me at the crusty feet of women who had come expecting pampering...OK, now was the time for me to place the towel on my arm; or better yet, a nail polish remover soaked cotton ball in my hand and get to work. In a day of "me-first mentality" it is beneficial for us to be called back to a heart of service to others.
One of the funny things about this job was the look on some of the ladies faces when I told them to sit down and let me remove the old polish. They were shocked..."you're going to touch my feet? Are you sure you want to do this? Really...I can do it myself." I had a time convincing some of them that this was part of the "pampering!" Just sit back, enjoy your chocolate covered snacks, and let me prep you for your pedicure!
But the highlight of my night was when this elderly lady sat down with her plate of scrumptious goodies, looking a bit like a "doe in the headlights." I knelt down at her feet, introduced myself, and ask her to remove her sandals do I could take off her old polish. She immediately looked embarassed, and starting apologizing for her feet. I tried to get her to relax...and allow me to do this, and then she started telling me "her story." It was fabulous...she was 75 years old, had never before in her life had a pedicure, and her feet were calloused and cracked because of years of working barefoot in a cotton field. She was one of 13 children who's father was a plantation foreman and everybody worked from dawn to dusk in the fields...even the children. She was so excited about the night, she said that she felt like a queen, something that she had never experienced! What an incredible time for me...for HPC...I can't quit thinking about her! I believe that, through service, God wants us to make an impression on our community, a mark on the lives of His people, He wants us to leave His fingerprints everywhere we go.
I had an awesome time last night...and from the toenails of many women, God gave me some new insight into the heart of His Son...who came to earth as a servant!
Have a blessed day -
Love,
Momma Moose
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