More Pep Talks! June 17, 2008

Gerardo had a job interview this afternoon and called me right before his appointment. After I got off the phone with him, my coworker said, ‘Sounds like you just gave him a pep talk.’ And I replied without thinking, ‘Yup, that’s my job!’ That got me thinking . . .

I love giving my hubby pep talks! Everything I tell him is the truth, and it excites me just thinking about all his awesome qualities. But honestly I could give him pep talks more often and reduce the ‘constructive criticism’ ones. :)

Then I took it a step further (I know, I think too much!). . . I also enjoy giving others pep talks. But what about myself. Oooooh, definitely more constructive criticism than pep talks. That’s crappy, huh? God didn’t call us to be comfortable, and we can always be striving for a higher standard towards Him, but where does His grace come in?

I think God wants to give each of us a huge pep talk every day if we’ll just let Him! Come on, right now, give yourself a pep talk for Him!  Give others a pep talk too! We need some encouragement, support, and love!

Worship! May 20, 2008

This weekend’s message was incredibly powerful!  It was the first in a two-week series called Fanatic, and Chris Beall delivered the message.  (I must say, Gerardo and I love when Beall preaches and honestly believe he’s a close second to Mr. Groeschel!  And I also want to give props to his amazing wife, Cindy!  Okay, now to the message . .  .)

The topic was worship, but probably not what typically comes to mind when you think about worship.  I would go into detail about it all but really just want you all to watch it.  Just take 30 minutes, get comfy, grab some popcorn, and click on this link to view it all.  You even have a three-day weekend!  No excuses!

Fanatic, Week 1 - What God Desires Most

I had planned on posting this message even before hearing its awesome content because originally there was video at the end of the message of which I got to be a part.  The video was shown the first few experiences of the weekend.  I was actually pretty excited to be a part of the message the last weekend I was on staff.  But at some point during Sunday morning, Chris felt lead to share more personally and not include the video.  I just now watched his added ending and am crying with joy.  I love when God works in bigger ways than my own desires.

Happy Anniversary, Honey!!! May 13, 2008

We met Fall 2002 at OSU and spent hours together that semester working on our Homecoming house dec.  We initially didn’t think we were each other’s ‘type’, and our first conversation included how much we enjoyed being single. The tons of conversations that followed were totally open and about all kinds of things because there was no need to try to impress this guy.  We each didn’t admit our true feelings for several weeks, but others weren’t blind.  We were crazy about each other.

Our first date was to IHOP for breakfast after staying up all night working on Homecoming.  Our first kiss was during a movie that neither one of us can remember the name.   Our first Christmas break together was spent on the phone until two or three in the morning every day.  Date parties, studying together, trips to see family, hanging out, etc. followed for three and a half years.  We were (and are) inseparable – best friends, study buddies, dance partners, everything.  I also wasn’t one to giggle until I met him.

May 13, 2006 * 10:30 am * The Dominion House * Guthrie, OK

Neither one of us is perfect, but we are perfect for each other.  God continues to bless our marriage, and we love serving Him together.  I am more in love with Gerardo than the day we married.  I love him in all ways and for always!!

Mother’s Day May 11, 2008

I attended a ‘celebration of life’ (funeral) a few weeks ago for a wonderful woman.  As the pastor and children talked about their mother, it was apparent that she had left an incredible legacy.  Our pastor talked about how when an artists or writer dies, they often talk about his greatest work or masterpiece.  And in this woman’s case, her greatest work was her family.  That statement has really stuck with me.

Three generations of my family are getting together for Mother’s Day.  Three generations of Christ followers.  Three generations of people changing their world.  How powerful to think of all the lives that have or will be touched by our family.

A mother’s masterpiece is her family.  Leaving a legacy.  Changing the world.  Thanks to tons of time, work, sacrifice, care, and love by mothers.  I humbly look forward to when God gives me the opportunity to take this role.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, MOMS!!!!

LifeChurch.tv May 5, 2008

New Opening Video

Promo Clip

I love these two videos!  Watch messages, get free resources, learn more at www.lifechurch.tv!

WE EXIST TO CHANGE THE WORLD!

Experiencing the Greatest Commandments March 24, 2008

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  Matthew 22:36-39

If I had to wrap up this weekend, I would honestly say we were blessed to experience the greatest commandments. All weekend long while Gerardo and I spent most of our weekend at the LifeChurch.tv South OKC campus, we were surrounded by love for Him and love for each other.  This love has changed our lives and the lives of so so many involved.

(I must point out, though, that we can’t successfully try to love God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind. But that’s where His love comes in, and if we surrender our efforts and desires to Him, He’ll take care of it for us! And in order to allow Him to work fully during Easter, tons of prep and hardwork were involved.)

Not only did those of us on staff and volunteering experience it all, lives are changing because of it!!!  God worked through His love in some many people and families this Easter weekend.  Thank you, Lord, for letting us be a part!!!

Marriage March 5, 2008

A man and his wife were having an argument about who should brew the coffee each morning.
The wife said, “You should do it, because you get up first, and then we don’t have to wait as long to get our coffee.”
The husband said, ” You are in charge of cooking around here and you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee.”
Wife replies, “No, you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible that the man should do the coffee.”
Husband replies, “I can’t believe that, show me.”
So she fetched the Bible, and opened the New Testament and showed him at the top of several pages, that it indeed says……….”HEBREWS”

Have a wonderful day!!!

Self-Discipline February 20, 2008

I often find myself focusing so much on external situations and all that is going on around me. I try to focus on changing lives, relationships, bringing glory to Him, etc.  And I can even begin to think that if I focus too much on myself then I’m self-centered or too self-involved because I need to be putting others first. This goes on for a few days, maybe weeks, then when I’m about to scream, cry, hide, pass out or all of the above, I realize the value of self-discipline. Taking care of myself – spirit, soul, body, mind. If I’m not taking care of myself, how can I expect to take care of others? And how can I expect God to fully use me and help me to fulfill His purpose?

Oh how I wish self-discipline was one of my strengths!!!  But I guess true self-discipline only comes from the Holy Spirit!!!  Thank you, Lord!!

Get Out Of My Way!!! February 19, 2008

Sometimes I think God is telling me – ‘Get out of My way!’ ‘Let Me work!’ And I can’t help but laugh at myself. There I go, trying to be the Holy Spirit again . . .  Doing and doing to accomplish all I think I need to do . . .

Happy Love Day!!! February 14, 2008

That’s how I prefer to think of Valentine’s Day – a Day of Love!!  All kinds of love, it doesn’t just have to be the romantic kind . . .

‘Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us, and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.’ – Ephesians 5:1-2