I Found Joy

At the beginning of 2012, I shared that my One Word for the year would be JOY (click here for that post.) Honestly, I didn't really understand why this was the particular word, thing that the Lord wanted me to focus on. I was a pretty joyful person. Little did I know how the Lord would completely change the way I look at things and forever transform me on my journey to finding JOY.

The biggest transformation came when I began a little list. Early in the year, my friend and mentor encouraged me and a group of friends to write out 100 things we were thankful for. There was something special about writing these things out. I also heard people talk about a book called One Thousand Gifts. The stirring from that list that I had started hadn't left me and I knew this book went into this idea more. I downloaded the book on my iPad and began reading it. I started a new list in my bible journal and decided to write down 5-10 things I was thankful for before getting into God's word and starting each day. I kept reading and writing. Then one day, something came to me. The things I had been writing down, the things I'm grateful for were God's special gifts to me. They weren't just things I was thankful for or favorite things, they were GIFTS! He was blessing me daily through people and experiences. That is why I loved these things, these moments so much and couldn't wait to write them down. In an instant, my eyes were opened to JOY and how to find it. My JOY and my FAITH grew with THANKSGIVING (1 Corinthians 2:7). My perspective changed and I started noticing more and more of God's special gifts just for me throughout my day. JOY like never before. JOY in EVERYTHING!

Things that were once frustrations were no longer viewed as frustrations. These things had now become moments of JOY:

• Messes around the house, I found JOY in. Instead of getting frustrated, I became so thankful that I have an amazing husband and two healthy little girls to pick up after. 
• Change of plans or things not going as I had planned, JOY! I am thankful that God's ways are so much better than my ways and we will make the most out of our new plans. 
• A bad run, JOY. Thank you, Jesus for a healthy body and the ability to get out and enjoy your creation.
• Something falling apart in our 100 year old house, JOY! How cool is it that we live in a 100 year old house? We have amazing neighbors, live in an awesome neighborhood and we have been good stewards with the money the Lord has blessed us with and He always provides so broken things can be fixed. 

Not only did my perspective change in this area, but I also started to notice little things that I had been taking for granted or really just missed before:

• The people...friends, mentors, groups, that God has placed in our lives. I can look back and see His hand and how He knew years ago how much these people would mean in our lives. JOY!
• My VAN! Oh I so did not want a minivan, but I can't tell you how much JOY our Routan brings to our family.
• God using our girls to speak right to my heart and encourage me. JOY!
• Scott's generosity and huge heart for giving. JOY!
• Getting to be home with our girls every single day and the calling to homeschool them. Wow! The way God has been paving the road for this all along is magnificent (this is a blog post all of it's own!) JOY!

"Always be full of JOY in the Lord. Again I say-rejoice!" Philippians 4:4. (Always: at all times, something that happens or is done continuously, receptively, on every occasion.) I am so thankful that God took me on this JOY Journey. I finished the year with 680 things on the list that I started in June. 2013 finds me starting all over at 1, finding JOY in EVERYTHING, ALWAYS. Will you join me?

Did you have a One Word/One Thing for 2012 or do you have one for 2013? I would love to hear it! My 2013 One Word post is coming next!

Wives

This weekend at LifeChurch.tv, we started a new series called Samson. It is geared towards men to encourage them to stand strong and be the men that God created them to be. The Week 1 message was an excellent start to what I believe will be a very powerful series for many. As I listened to the message, I couldn't help but think of how important our role is as wives to build up and encourage our husbands. What we think and say about our husbands determines what they become. 

1 Peter 3:1-2 (AMP) gives great instruction on how to be godly wives. 

In like matter, {insert your name here}, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate yourselves as being secondary to and dependent on them, and adapt yourselves to them], so that even if any do not obey the Word [of God], they may be won over not by discussion but the [godly] lives of their wives, when they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your reverence [for your husband; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him--to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love and enjoy your husband]. 

If you want your husband to stand up and be a leader for your family, then build him up. Stop tearing him down. Stop nagging him and telling him he's not leading your family. Again, what we think and say about our husbands determines what they become. Take the above verse to heart. Do what is says. Pray for your husband. Encourage your husband. Respect your husband. Then watch him step up to be the man God wants him to be. 

Will you join me and other wives in watching the Samson messages with your husbands either at Church Online or at a LifeChurch.tv Campus? Will you put this verse in your heart and pray for your man? Leave a comment below and let me know you're with me. I'll be praying for you, your husbands and your families during this time as well. I can't wait to hear how God works in and through all of us over the next 4 weeks. 

Children Learn What They Live

Earlier this week, the girls and I made a trip to Target. I journeyed over to the office supply aisle to pick up some things we needed for school. As we walked by the notebooks, Abigail yells, "Mommy! Mommy! Can I have a notebook like yours?" I looked over to find a stack of notebooks like the one I use to take notes in while reading my bible. She told me the little notebook she carries with her bible was running out of paper. She draws pictures in it when she goes to bible study with her daddy and also writes in it at church on Sunday. So I agreed to a new notebook. Abigail and Ashby picked out pink ones, and we went on our way.

My notebook

When we got home, Abigail asked if she could use the Sharpie's to write her name on her new notebook. A bit later, she brought the notebook to show to me.

Abigail's new notebook

She told me she wrote "God's Words" because she wanted write what God told her in her new notebook. I was blown away! I've never talked to her about journaling, taking notes while your read your bible or sitting and listening to God and writing down what He tells her. I've never even told her that I do these things. BUT she sees me doing these things.

I get up (most days) WAY before the rest of my house. The girls wake up and come downstairs to find me either coming in from running or sitting with my bible, (iPad & YouVersion) journal and notebook. The only questions Abigail ever asks me are "did you just come in from a run? or "are you reading your bible?" She didn't learn writing God's Words from me telling her or trying to teach her. She is learning from example. Our girls see me reading. They see me writing. They hear me talking to God. They hear me praying over them. They are learning what they live!

Our actions speak so much louder than our words. What are you children learning from watching you?

The Importance of Guarding Our Hearts

My heart breaks when I hear that people I know, Christians, lose their way or turn away from God. I recently had a conversation with a friend and she said, "I just don't understand how this happens to people that go to and are so involved in their church."

This conversation really stirred me. I haven't been able to shake it. As Christians, I know we are not immune and being a Christian doesn't make us perfect and without sin. There was only One that walked this earth that was without sin. How do Christians lose their way? Why? I took it to God. I wanted His clarity and felt that He wanted to show me something through this. As I've prayed for these people, these lost, hurting people to find their way back to Him, things have become so clear to me. 

1. It is a choice to love and serve God. He does not force us into a relationship with Him. 

2. When we ask Jesus into our hearts, we receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our guide, our counselor, friend. Once again, we must decide day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute to die to ourselves and our fleshly desires and yield to our Spirit. (For more on the Holy Spirit, I highly recommend the message series "Ghost" that you can watch at LifeChurch.tv.)

It is a choice: This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life... (Deuteronomy 30: 19)

3. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." We are faced with bombarded with all sorts if temptations everyday. We must constanly evaluate what we are watching and listening to. "He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure[of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you." (Mark 4:24 AMP)

We must constantly renew our minds so that we may know what is the good and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2) How? Spend time in prayer with God. Read your bible. Ask Him to show what "filth," temptations, bad influences (tv, books, music, movies, magazines, people) that He wants out of your life. I'm not saying all tv & radio are "bad." Again, what you hear, watch, think about and meditate on will be what you know and believe. Don't believe the world's lies that it won't affect you or that everybody's doing it/listening to it/watching it. The bible tells us to not conform to the world's standards. (Romans 12:2) Seek God and ask Him to reveal the things that are in your life that could lead you astray. Then be obedient and get rid of these things. It's not about being legalistic, but choosing to love and honor God. 

4. We must surround ourselves with godly people that will encourage us and keep us accountable. (Acts 2:42-47) We can't be afraid to open up and share with the people that God has put in our lives. I'm not just talking about going to church on Sunday's. We need that, too, but we also need mentors, people that we can trust to speak Truth into our lives. 

5. Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable-if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise-dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

Our Story

We had the awesome opportunity to share our family's story and how LifeChurch.tv & LifeKIDS has been such a big part of raising Christ-centered children. It was such a pleasure meeting and 'working' with LifeChurch.tv's Storyteller, Jonathan Meisner. He is so creative and super talented. Here's what he had to say about the story:

"When I received the lead on this story, it was about a little girl who lead another girl to Christ while on vacation with her family at Disney World. I met up with them at their house a few days after and just began to get to know them and discuss how were were going to shoot the piece. It didn't take long for me to realize that what happened at Disney World was only the by-product of the real story...their amazing commitment to teach and living out Christ example IN the home. It seemed everything the family did was gear towards that. With that in mind, I wanted to bring the viewer into the home and into the world of the Stemmons family. Overall, I loved how the piece turned out. It was a great representation of an incredible family, and I was thrilled to be a part of sharing their story."

Here is the sweet video that was shown at the LifeKIDS Driven Conference this past Saturday.

Our family vision, our goal is all about having a deep and personal relationship with Christ. We want to love the Lord God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and with all our strength (Mark 12:30). Jonathan was right. Everything we do is centered around Christ. Church is not just something we do on Sunday. Scott and I don't leave our Campus and just forget about the message we heard. We talk about it with each other and most often with others. The same goes for our kids. We don't want our girls just to go to their class for an hour or two each weekend and learn a fun little bible story, color or do a craft and leave it at that. God's Word is ALIVE and ACTIVE! We want them to be passionate about the bible. We talk about what they learned and how it is important for us today. The talented staff at LifeKIDS gear each week's curriculum to it's age-specific audience. The bible and activities are explained/used in a way that help the children understand the message that God was sharing. The partnership that I spoke about between the church and parents is phenomenal! Everything that your child learns at LifeKIDS can be found here: http://resources.lifechurch.tv/categories/4/for-your-family for FREE! We take advantage of these resources. There are wonderful activities that you can do with you kids and awesome videos as well. You can read Abigail's story here on how she led a led a little girl to Christ and knew the prayer of salvation from watching this video.

I say this often, Scott and I are not extraordinary parents. We love our children and we love our Lord even more. We are obedient and raise our girls how He calls us to. God is our guide. Not this world or people's opinions. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." We are training them up to love the Lord with all their heart, with all their soul, with all their mind, and all their strength. We pray over our children. We read the bible to them and give Abigail time each day so that she can sit and read her bible. We talk to the girls...even our two year old, about how biblical truths apply to us today and give them real-life application. None of this is forced. At 5 years and 2 years, these girls are passionate about Jesus and live to do just what the bible tells them to do...Share His Love.

God has blessed our lives with two very special little girls, an AMAZING church and some WONDERFUL people that we get to share this journey with. We are so thrilled that we got to share our story and we hope that it will be an inspiration and blessing for many. All for His glory!

Waiting

This morning, I woke up to the sound of fans, our air condition and the beeps of backup batteries coming on as our power went out. I grabbed my iPhone and quickly logged on to OG&E's website to report the power outage. Then I waited. I waited for my girls to discover that their night light was no longer on and for them to come join me in my bed. I prayed and waited for the power to come back on. The girls joined me around 6am, and with flashlights and we waited together.

The power came back on around 7am and we rejoiced. The girls started jumping up and down and yelling, praise Jesus! Thanks you, Jesus for our lights!" I decided to check my calendar to remind myself what we had going on today. Lot's of things on the calendar. Lot's of waiting. Waiting, waiting, waiting. For some reason, this theme was all over me today. I felt God was trying to tell me something. He did.

I tweeted and posted this to Facebook:
We wait in line at the grocery store. We wait in traffic. We wait at the doctors office. Why won't we sit and wait on God?

How true is this? We patiently wait for everyday things, but when we don't get an immediate answer from God, we begin to question and even doubt Him. Sometimes, we need to wait on Him. Have you been praying for and believing God for healing that just hasn't been confirmed yet? Are you expecting God to bless your family with a baby but have yet to see a positive pregnancy test? Have you been out of work and praying for a job offer? Praying and waiting for something else? We just need to wait and to be still and know that He is God. Psalm 46:10.

God is a very loving and giving Father. He wants to bless us and wants us well. Seek Him. Trust Him. As my family and I wait for things, we rest on Romans 8:28. God works ALL things together for the good of those who love Him and seek His will. Let this be an encouragement to you in your meantime. Be still, wait expectantly, and don't miss out on what God has blessed you with now.

What We've Learned From My Mother's Day Flowers

My sweet 2 year old loves flowers. She also loves to pick my pretty Mother's Day flowers and bring them inside to enjoy and play with. However, she gets very upset when her beautiful flowers begin to wilt away. This has given me a perfect opportunity and a powerful visual to talk to my girls about John 15: 1-17 and the importance of abiding in Jesus.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you whatever you wish and it will be done for you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:1-8 NIV

When we remain (dwell, live, abide) in Jesus, our lives are like these beautiful flowers. We are full of life, we thrive and bear much fruit: joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5: 22-23)

Apart from Christ, our lives start to resemble these flowers that wither and die when they become detached from their vine. No branch can bear fruit without being united to the vine. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing.

Both of my girls said that they would rather be a beautiful flower attached to the stem (vine) than a wilted up dead flower. How do we do that? How do we remain in Christ so that we will bear much fruit? It is a daily choice. We must die to ourselves and submit to God. (Colossians 3:3-4) We must become less and allow God to become more in our lives. We must be in His word allowing His truth to transform us (Romans 12:2) Then we will bear much fruit and God is honored and glorified.

Why Read Your Bible?

I've been reading and journaling through Psalm 119 (the longest chapter of the bible) this week. King David wrote this Psalm that talks about God's Word, how wonderful and vital it is. After going over this chapter it is even more clear to me why it is so important to read, to meditate on and to know God's Word.

I'd like to share with you some things that really jumped out to me:

~Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who:
   -walk in the word of God
   -keep God's word
   -seek and crave Him with their whole heart
~God's Word is my delight and my counsel
~Your Word strengthens me
~It removes falsehood and unfaithfulness
~It gives me answers for those who taunt and reproach me
~In Your word, I walk at liberty and ease and will not be put to shame
~Your word gives me hope
~It is my comfort and consolation
~It revives me and gives me life
~Your Word promises mercy and grace
~Your Word is faithful and sure
~Forever Your Word stands firm in the heavens,
   Your faithfulness from generation to generation
~Unless Your Word is my delight, I will perish in my affliction
~I will never forget Your Word-It is what granted my life
~The wicked wait to destroy me, but I have Your Word and all
   it's testimonies
~Everything human has it's limits and end, but God's Word is
   exceedingly broad and extends without limits into eternity
~Through Your Word, You make me wiser than my enemies
~Your Word is forever before me
~I have better understanding and deeper insight because 
   Your Word is my meditation
~I understand because I keep Your Word
~God teaches me, HIMSELF, through His Word
~Through Your Word I get understanding, therefore I hate
   every false way
~Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
~When I am afflicted, Your Word renews me and gives me life
~I can rejoice in the testimonies-They are my heritage
~The Word is my hiding place, my shield
~Your Word is wonderful, far exceeding anything conceived by man
~The unfolding of Your Words gives light; their unfolding 
   gives understanding (discernment, comprehension)
~God establishes my steps and directs them with His Word
~God's word is very pure (tried and well-refined)
~Your Word is truth


What does all this mean? First, God's word is truth. It's the only truth. The devil doesn't want us to know this truth and sets out to destroy us with his lies. When we read, meditate on and KNOW God's Word, we won't be subject to these lies. By seeking God through His Word, He will implant His truths in your heart so you will quickly discern the devil's schemes and you can replace them with the truth you know. Second, there will be times when we face trials and afflictions. God's Word provides comfort and consolation. The bible is full of stories (testimonies) of groups and individuals that went through some really tough situations. Time and time again, these stories reveal God's faithfulness. These stories are our heritage. We can look back and see how God was always there, His faithfulness and know that He will be faithful no matter what we go through. Finally, God's Word renews us, gives us life and hope. The bible is full of His promises that He will reveal to you if you just seek Him.

I encourage you to OPEN YOUR BIBLE and let God reveal His truths to you. Stepping away from books and bible studies and turning directly to God's Word has transformed my life. Don't misunderstand. Christian books and Beth Moore studies are wonderful. I've gotten a lot from these. BUT, there is nothing like sitting before the Author of my life and letting Him teach me directly rather than getting someone else's interpretation or opinion on scripture. God has implanted His truths deep into my heart. He has spoken so clearly to me and given me direction and dreams. I have comfort and can stand firm in my faith when trials come. All of this because I seek God through His word. You can, too.

Don't know where to start? Pray. Tell God you want to know Him better. Ask Him for revelation to know and understand His Word. Start reading in the New Testament. Keep a notebook or a journal and write down things that jump out to you, things that God reveals to you.

I'm not going to suggest a typical study, but I have found a tool that has been so useful in my walk to know God more. SOAR (Seek God, Obtain Truth, Abide in the Spirit & Reach Out), written by my friends, Sheri Yates & Amy Groeschel, is designed to get you into the Word of God. It is not these ladies opinions or narration on the bible. It is a guide that leads you in seeking God, to come to know Him intimately; obtaining truth, to find freedom in God's Word; to abide, to live and walk by God's Spirit; and to reach out and share the Good News. SOAR has been so amazing for me. It was just what I needed to get me into reading my bible. I have a freedom like never before. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32. Find this freedom in God's Word.

Favorite Friday-Truth or Trash

I know it's been awhile, but I'm going to try to get back into sharing some favorites each Friday...starting today!

This is one of our favorite family games that is now a free iPhone/iPad/iTouch App called Truth or Trash. Our dear friends, Tracy & Sheri Yates came up with this game to teach their three girls to discern the differences between Truth or Trash. Now they've shared it with us! It is so much fun and my girls LOVE it! This card game/app is an awesome way to help build your child's TRUE identity in Christ and yours, too!

From Sheri:

Imagine a day in your life when you are no longer affected by what others think or say about you! This game will change you. Download this free application today and find freedom in the Truth.

When I was young, I was called stupid and abused in my own home. Sure, I heard some good comments too, but I didn't know how to discern which comments were actually true.. I felt worthless. I carried insecurity into my adulthood, and it hurt my relationships.

Like me, throughout your life many people will have their opinions of you. Some will like you. Some will not. It's hard to not feel rejected or unworthy when people turn on you or when you fail. People's opinions and your own opinion of yourself are simply that – opinions! Opinions are subjective, not Truth.

When you are a child of God, the only thing that is True about you is what God says about you. Romans 3:4 says "Let God be true, and every man a liar."

To help children and adults quickly recognize the difference between someone's opinion, general facts and what is really true, we developed this game: Truth or Trash.

Truth is what God says. Trash is anything that He does NOT say. Trash includes facts and opinions. After you have played the game, practice discerning the difference between Truth or Trash in your daily life. For example, assume you or your children were around negative talk. Ask, "What did you hear today that was Truth? What was Trash?" "How do you know?"

Before you know it, you all will be able to quickly discern Truth from Trash! As you recognize trash and replace it with truth, words will no longer burden you.

As you identify trash in your own life, please share with me how you have replaced it with God's Truth!

Get the FREE Truth or Trash App at the iTunes Store:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/truth-or-trash/id440630234?mt=8

If you live in the Edmond/OKC area, you can purchase the physical Truth or Trash Card Game at:
Conver Sations at 119 S. Broadway-Downtown Edmond, OK.

Today

As I mentioned in the previous post, the alternator and battery went out on my Volvo Wagon on the way down to Dallas to catch a flight for our Disney World vacation. We had a magical vacation (which I plan to write about when I get to edit all of our pics) and returned home where Scott I got the girls settled with a friend and drove back down to Texas to get my wagon. We were on our way back home driving in Moore, OK on I-35 when Scott's car was struck by another car where the driver was driving about 100mph and texting. I, again, was in my car and watched the whole thing. Oh how I wish I could share the details of that night, but I cannot at this time. Scott is alive and home and we praise God for His protection. While this story is not over, we are already sure it's one that God wants us to share. We've documented the miracles and will continue to document more along the way. I promise when I am able, I will share. Join us in praising God for life and lift Scott up as he recovers.

Today, I took my trusty wagon to the Volvo shop. The check engine light decided to come on and stay on and the wagon just isn't running like she was. So, we own 3, yes 3 cars and not one of them is working right now. The BMW is crunched in a tow yard, the Volvo is in the shop and the MG, well it's been sitting in our driveway and hasn't started in a year. This along with dealing with accident is definitely reason to be frustrated and cranky, right? Sure. BUT we refuse to let these attacks dominate us. Admittedly, I was pretty cranky and mad yesterday. I let the devil steal my joy and I took my focus off my God and how big He is and placed them on my circumstances. No more! I decided this morning no matter what, I would not let this "stuff" hold me hostage. You know why? Because that's just what the devil wants. Jesus has OVERCOME so I don't need to sweat this "stuff." The verse that has come to me over and over today is John 16:33: "In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've overcome the world!" 

Tonight I go to bed with a happy heart, peace of mind and a gratitude that words cannot express. We are blessed beyond measure and we will continue to praise God no matter what the devil throws at us. Thank you family and friends for your love, encouraging words and most of all your prayers. Our cup runneth over even if our cars don't.

Vacation Day 1: Scott's 40th Birthday & Plans Interrupted

Friday, May 20th is the day we have been looking forward to for weeks. Scott decided that for his 40th birthday, he wanted to take us all to Disney World for the week. We were set to leave at 6am Friday morning and arrive at 12:20pm in Orlando. Storms came into OKC late Thursday night and at 3am, I got a call from Continental saying that our 6am flight had been cancelled but we had been moved to the 11am flight. We turned off all the alarms and went back to sleep. I got up and decided to check the status of our flight and was notified that we would not be leaving today that our flight had been bumped to 11am Saturday morning. I got on the phone with Travelocity to see if there was any way possible to get into Orlando today as we had originally planned. You see, we had a VERY excited 5 year old who was up at 3am ready to head to the airport. The kind gentleman from Travelocity checked and checked and waited on hold with Continental. He finally came on the line and said he had us booked on the 11:50am flight out of Dallas arriving in Orland at 5pm. PERFECT! We jumped in the car and headed south on I-35 in the POURING rain.

We had plenty of time and plenty of gas. We pulled over and grabbed a yummy McDonald's breakfast and kept driving. Just before we reached the Texas state line, our car started acting funny. The battery light came on, then it went off. It stayed off for awhile and we kept driving. PRAYING. All of the sudden I look over and the lights on the radio and dashboard were dimming then getting brighter. It was so bizarre! We just kept driving and praying as we were in the middle of nowhere. All of the sudden, every window in my station wagon fogged up. There went the A/C. We were in front of Gainesville, TX high school when our car completely died. We pulled over and Scott began a search for tow services. The girls and I prayed. The car started and we were able to get to the next exit. Scott found that there was a tow place/shop 2 miles away. We didn't make it. Scott called the tow service and they were there in 20 minutes. We loaded up the girls in the cab of the tow truck. They LOVED it! Abigail thought it was so cool to ride in the front seat. We got to Houston's in Gainesville, TX and the nicest people greeted us. My battery and alternator decided to go out. The was not an alternator to be found anywhere in Gainesville, TX. They called a place in Sanger, TX and located one and thought they could have it there by 2:30pm. We got back on the phone with Travelocity to change our flight once again. At this point there was no way of us making it to DFW for our flight. The girls were AMAZING. They colored, they played with the cool Ms. Pacman/Galaga game at the shop and watched movies on their iTouch's and my iPad while Scott and I spend what seemed like hours on the phone trying to get our flights, hotel and rental car rearranged. 

Coloring

"Playing" a game

iTouch Fun

Watching Dispicable Me on my iPad

We finally got everything in order to leave Saturday morning so we were just waiting for our car to be fixed so that we could head back to OKC. The nice mechanic came in to inform us that the alternator for my car would not be available until late today and there wouldn't be time to get it in our car. No way we would get our car back in time to get to OKC by 10am Saturday morning for our flight. I had been talking to my mom off and on and she had offered to come and get us if needed. I called her back. She got her things together and got on the road in the pouring rain to come get us. Wow. How awesome is that?!?!? 2 1/2 hours in the pouring rain to come and get us. 

My mom arrived in Gainesville, TX where we had now spent our entire first day of vacation and Scott's 40th birthday, not Disney World. As one friend put it, "Gainesville, the second happiest place on earth!" We got our luggage and things loaded into her Expedition and headed back to OKC. Abigail and Ashby were so excited to see Nana and to tell her about getting to ride in a tow truck. Sure they wanted to be at Hollywood Studios watching the Pixar Parade, but hey, they got to ride in a tow truck, in the front seat. "It was so cool!" Abigail told Nana. Ashby was thrilled that Nana was coming to her house. They were worn out, had been sitting in a car repair shop all day, but were as happy as can be.

Sweet nap in Nana's car

We made it back to OKC just in time to take Scott to a birthday dinner at Cheesecake Factory. He is so awesome! I praise God for Scott and the way he handled everything yesterday. Always. He is such a rock and warrior for this family. 

Birthday boy & his baby girl

We are so thankful for Nana!

Today definitely wasn't what we had planned, but we knew the entire time that God was watching over us. We were definitely under attack. I didn't mention that in the middle of all of the chaos, Scott had work stuff blowing up, the hotel called me back about having a birthday surprise ready in the room for Scott to tell me that they couldn't find a reservation for us and when calling to change our reservation to have lunch with the princesses, it was nowhere to be found. CRAZY!  BUT, We were all together and safe. Over and over, I would sing, "I will bring praise, I will bring praise! No weapon formed against me shall remain. I will rejoice! I will declare! God is my victory and He is here." (Desert Song by Hillsong United) He was and always is! We don't know why all of this stuff happened...all in one day, but we were not about to let the devil steal our joy. There were times that both Scott and I could have lost it, but God kept us calm and we focused on the blessings:

1. We were all together and unharmed

2. When our car died, we were only 2 miles away from help. We could have gotten stuck in the middle of nowhere, OK. 

3. Our girls. I can't say enough how wonderful they were...ARE! No crying, no fits, just thankful that Saturday was coming and that they get to get on a plane and go to Disney World tomorrow.
4. The nice people of Gainesville, Tx-especially the people of Houston's Tow Service & Auto Repair Shop. They offered to try to get us to Dallas to catch our flight. One of the owners offered his truck so that we could go grab lunch or get out of the shop for awhile. They were great and are taking care of our car for us until we get back. 

5. Travelocity. They were so helpful. We simply had to wait on hold. They did all of the work changing our flights, hotel and rental car. PLUS, they did it all without having us pay any additional fees. In fact we were initially told that we would have a fee per ticket to change days. Praise God, Continental changed it for free! AND the resort refunded our first night since we didn't stay at the hotel. We never expected that! 
6. My mom. I can't thank her enough for driving in the rain to come get us. We love and appreciate her so much!
7. Our friends. We didn't really call anyone other than my mom yesterday. We spent a lot of time on the phone with Travelocity and playing with the girls. :) But, Scott had several call to wish him a happy birthday and I had some friends text to check if we had met the princesses yet. We appreciate our friends thoughtfulness, encouraging words and prayers.

8. Our God. Through it all, we felt His love and knew...know that though the devil was attacking us, He was working everything out for us. His plan is always far greater than what we can dream of!


I could go on and on! We are so blessed!

So we start our vacation and have changed Scott's birthday to today! I look forward to posting again from Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. God is so good!!!

What If?

Scott and I had the awesome opportunity to be at the Thunder Playoff game last night. I have to add that we had rockstar seats...5 rows up from the floor and we got to see the Thunder win the series and move on to Round 2. It was fun! ANYWAY... It was a packed house. The crowd was electric. The Oklahoma City Arena was LOUD and I'm sure if you were looking at the building from outside, you would have seen it move with so many people jumping up and down as we watched KD lead the Thunder to a 3 point win. So cool to see so many supporting this team.

Scott and I walked outside into the sea of people where strangers were hi-fiving, chanting, car horns honking. People were happy, excited. Bricktown was alive! So cool to see and be a part of. As happy and as excited as I was for the Thunder win, because, yes I'm a big fan, I couldn't help but think, what if? I turned to Scott and said to him, "what if all these people were this excited about Jesus?" What would our city look like our state look like? What would our world look like if people got this excited about our risen Savior?

Again, I'm a big Thunder fan and I'm currently accepting Round 2 Playoff tickets. I'm also a BIG fan of my Lord. I know how He has transformed my life, Scott's life and I see how He is working in my girls lives. I also know what He can do in your life when you seek Him and completely give it to Him.

What if?

Lies

I had a conversation with a friend this week and it's not the first time I've had this particular one. She said that everything in her life is going so great right now. Every prayer that she prayed was answered immediately, favorably. She was experiencing a high in her marriage. Work is going extremely well. Then she said, "but I'm so scared! I just keep waiting for something really bad to happen. It always happens that way. Just when things are going along great, it all comes crashing down."

This, my friends is a LIE! This is exactly what the enemy wants you to believe. He will put these thoughts in your head and make you believe that things are too good to be true. The world will tell you that it's "Murphy's Law" and that the bad stuff is on it's way. The devil wants you to believe that you don't deserve to be happy and that God only wants to bless you so much then take it all away to teach you a lesson. LIE, LIE, LIE! It's time to stand up and resist this evil and step in to all of God's goodness.

The TRUTH is God loves you and wants to bless you. Have you ever read Ephesians 1? If not, go read the Amplified Version now at YouVersion. Oh how He loves us! The bible tells us in James 4:7 to submit to God and resist the devil and he will flee from you. When those negative thoughts come against you, take them captive. Resist the devil and replace with them with the Truth of God.

Knowing Him

Little did I know that I would need some encouragement this week. But God knew. He knew that there would be times I found myself frustrated, full of questions, and that there would be people that wanted to steal my joy. But He gave me this:

• Interrupted plans that led to an unexpected trip to meet Scott while he was away that led to precious time as a family, away from the distractions at home
• A Facebook note on my wall from a thoughtful friend
• Deep conversation with my husband
• Family time that led to hysterical, good for the soul laughter
• A timely phone call from a friend that brought so much clarity and a needed boost
• A surprise visit from a very special friend
• 2 new LifeGroups 
• Lunch with my dad
• Opening my bible to the perfect scripture that spoke volumes and really gave me answers to some nagging questions
• Having my eyes opened through scripture and prayer in order to use me to speak into others lives

I am so thankful for the people that God has placed in my life and speaks through. When frustrations, questions and "stuff" came at me this week, God was there. He worked through others, spoke directly to me to build me up so that when things came at me, I was not overwhelmed. I was able to look back on these instances and see how God was working. I felt a giant HUG from my Creator, Comforter, Friend. JOY!

John 16:33 tells us that in this world we will have trials, frustrations, tribulations. BUT Christ is always with us! He has OVERCOME!!!

Do you KNOW Him? When you KNOW Him, you will not be defeated by emotions or circumstances. When you KNOW Him, you can rest, be still and know that He is God and stand firm in your faith that He is working all things together for your good. 


It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His tender compassions fail not. Lamentations 3:22

He never fails and is always there with a whisper, through a friend, family and especially in His WORD just when you need it the most.

Why I Share

I have received some very sweet comments regarding my posts on Twitter, Facebook and about what I share on my blog. I am humbled and I appreciate all of you that have taken the time to personally share your thoughts with me and for those of you that have sent me messages. In my quiet time this morning, after reading one of these very thoughtful messages, I came across this verse:


"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9 NIV 

This my friends, is why I share. I know who God is, and I know what I have in Him and and who I am in Him and I can't help but share. I want nothing more than my family and friends to truly know this goodness. God chose me. He chose you. We are HIS possession! My friend, Mandy said this, "WE are chosen by GOD? The One who breathed out the universe? And Who am I that HE is mindful of me???!! Blows me away...wow" YES! Wow! When things aren't going my way, I don't have to stress or worry. I know the goodness of my God. He's got the whole world in His hands. His plan is far better than what I can dream or imagine. When you truly know this, you can't help but share.

Beginning this weekend, my church, LifeChurch.tv is starting a series called, "Who Do You Think You Are?" I am beyond excited about this series. Learning more through God's word and biblical teaching about who God says I am has changed my life. Our senior pastor, Craig Groeschel put it this way, "When you know who you are, you know what to do." TRUTH! I encourage you to get to a LifeChurch.tv Campus if you are near one or check out Church Online this weekend. It's going to be powerful! I hope you will join our family.

I am thankful that God has chosen me and wants to use me. I am overwhelmed that my words, words that God has laid on my heart to share, has made an impact on lives. I will continue to be obedient to His call. May God receive all the glory and may many, many more lives know, love and serve only Him.

Additional Resources:
SOAR: http://soarwithgod.com/

• This is a free discipleship bible study written by my dear friend, Sheri Yates and our senior pastor's wife, Amy Groeschel. SOAR stands for: Seek God, Obtain Truth, Abide in the Spirit & Reach Out. I love this study and cannot recommend it highly enough. Going through this has taught me to read through God's Word to get my own revelation and has helped me, and continues to help me learn more about the goodness of our God and who He says I am. 
• I will be leading a Mom's Bible Study/LifeGroup beginning in March. We will be starting with "S" and going through the SOAR curriculum. If you are interested in joining us, please let me know. We would love to have you! 

God is...

I woke up and realized that today is December 1st! I began to reflect on the year and how much I've grown in my walk with Christ. This year I began to seek God like never before, and He's showing me some amazing things through His word. Yesterday I started, Rediscovering The Christmas Season. I went to today's reading in Matthew in the Amplified Version. This verse really spoke to me:

She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]. Matthew 1:21


This is what Christmas is all about. Jesus was born to prevent us from failing and missing the true scope (which is defined as an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control) of life. Over and over again this year, God has shown me that He is my life. My thoughts are His thoughts. My steps are His steps. We are one, with His Spirit living inside of me. God is not something we "do" on Sunday's or Christmas & Easter or when we need something. Jesus was born to be our Savior AND be our life! In this season of celebration and busyness, let us not forget that.

What a gift God gave us through His one and only Son...Life!

I Found My Words

I posted this statement on Twitter & Facebook last night: "What an AMAZING day! I'm at a loss for words. God is so crazy cool!" In a matter of minutes, I got replies and text messages asking me if I was pregnant or if Scott had gotten a new job, did I sell my car/get a new one, even people asking me about my afternoon of pampering and shopping with my girls...did I buy some fun stuff today? All of these things I would celebrate and praise God for. Without a doubt, all of these are great blessings. But no, I'm not pregnant, we are still waiting to hear on a job offer for Scott, I did not get a new car and I didn't  go on a crazy shopping spree (I did get a new Power Balance Band that's pretty cool, though.) :)

The "amazingness" actually started on Thursday. I told Scott that I feel God is about to do something BIG in our lives. I don't know specifically what this is, but I feel God telling me to continue to have peace in the waiting, He is preparing us. Our church, LifeChurch.tv Edmond Campus, hosted a Vision Night, so our family went. It was an incredible night of worship and we got to hear from our Senior Pastor, Craig Groeschel about the future of our Campus. During the worship time, I told God that I am and my family is completely surrendered to Him...whatever He asks of us, we will boldly step up to His calling. I pray this often, but it was different this time. I'm having trouble getting the words out to explain it. The best way I can explain is that maybe finally, I really meant it. Does that make sense? I think we pray and tell God things, but maybe we don't fully, deep down in our hearts mean it. We want to mean it,  and have really good intentions, but we don't actually completely give it to Him. "God use me, use my family for Your glory" I continued to pray. "Help us reach out to more people and share Your love, Lord. More of You, less of me!" As Craig spoke about our Campus Vision, I looked over at Scott and we both said, "WOW!" He whispered something to me, I agreed (something that God had obviously put on both our hearts.) The words that Craig spoke, our church's vision echoed ours: how can we reach more people for Christ, the importance of pouring into the next generation, surrounding ourselves with people that can speak into our lives, our children's lives.  BIG! Cool!

(On a side note: more than ever, Scott and I are so thankful God led us to LifeChurch! We've never been more excited to serve at our campus and are on fire for the Lord in a new and exciting way.)


Here is where the really cool stuff begins:
I walk out to get our girls and check my phone before going to the lobby to fellowship with others who came. There is a text message from a neighbor, who has no idea that we are at church at this time. She is asking me about our church and about the worship. I've talked to these neighbors so much about our church and have left countless invites for At the Movies, etc with them. Now, in God's perfect timing, our neighbors college-aged sisters who are now living with them, want to visit LifeChurch.tv with us. Very cool! 


Our family also loved getting to spend time chatting with some other believers there in the lobby after the worship & message. I got to talk to one of my favorite people in the world...someone God has put in my life this past year or so. I absolutely love anytime I get to spend with the awesome lady. I always get so much out of conversations...even brief ones. I love how she boldly speaks into my life. I got the opportunity to ask her if we could spend more time together. She agreed. I can't wait to see what God teaches me through her.


While this isn't a new thing, I woke up Friday morning so grateful that God has called me to stay at home with our girls. How cool is it that I get to spend my days educating and equipping them? Abigail gets to come to me and to Scott when she has questions about "life" instead of reaching out to a peer for answers. Day after day, I get to be Abigail & Ashby's example.  Wow! A great calling and oh so very cool! We had such a fun Friday. Scott treated his girls to mani/pedi's. A nice treat indeed! They were so well behaved in the spa...even my not quite 2 year old, Ashby! I let Abigail pick out a color for them, then they crawled up in the big chairs and sat so politely. When they were finished, the nice ladies from the spa pulled up a big chair next to me. Abigail & Ashby sat there and giggled, ooooh'd & awwww'd over their pretty toes and had snacks. Ladies in the spa were so complimentary of these two sweet girls. They commented on how well behaved they both were. One mom said, "I could never bring my 2 1/2 year old into a place like this. I'm impressed!" Another lady said to Abigail, "you are so polite and you listen to your mommy so well." Abigail's replied, "I honor my mommy. My sister does, too. We are very good girls!" I asked her why she honored her mommy. She said, "because Jesus is in my heart!" WOW! This from a mouth of a not quite 5 year old. Yes, again, COOL!


Scott decided to meet us at the mall. As he was pulling in, he saw a man carrying a gas can. He pulled up next to him and told him to get into the car and he would take him to a gas station. They talked along the way. They pulled up to a gas station and Scott told the man that he needed to fill up his car so that he would fill up his gas can for him. Scott also got to talk to this man about the love of Jesus Christ and invited this man to come to church with our family. We fully expect to see him this Sunday!


I am not bragging or trying to say that I am the best mom ever and that I have the most extraordinary kids on earth. Or that you should pat us on the back for helping someone in need. I have a point, though. It's coming! 


Here we go:
This world is not our home. We are here for a short time. If our lives are consumed with material things (a new job, a new car, a shopping trip) then friends, we are missing the point. There is so much more! When we FULLY SURRENDER our lives to Christ, let go of fear, let go of worry, let go of pride and our need for control, He is able to do more in you and through you than you could ever imagine = BLESSINGS. I cannot express how eternally grateful I am that the Lord got a hold of Scott and I when I was pregnant with Abigail. Our lives are radically different and our girls and future kids will grow up knowing and sharing Christ making an eternal difference and changing the lives of others. We are not perfect and we will still slip. After all we are all sinners. We wouldn't need a Savior otherwise. But, we are focused on God. I will not be ashamed of my faith. I will embrace being different. I will share His love in all I do...by example and through the words I speak. I will let God use me in any way He can and will remember that just because I am called to do something, doesn't mean that it will be easy.  I will remember that "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 I will deny my fleshly need for control and will depend on Him more than ever.


In summary, why was Friday so amazing? I am loved and am a child of God. He gave me another day to serve Him and make a difference here on earth through Him. God has blessed me with a loving, committed and godly husband who leads this family and I honor and respect him so much.  We have two precious girls that we get to raise up to love the Lord. I get be a part of God's amazing work and let Him move in and through our lives. I am in awe of the work He is doing through my church and in and through the lives of so many of our friends and family. I know that this is just a start. I cannot wait to see more of the BIG things God has in store for us! 


I pray that the love of Christ permeates your lives. I pray that you step out in faith and let God use you. Find a church home, surround yourself with other Christians, and develop a true love relationship with God by diving into the Bible and spending time in prayer with Him.  I invite you to share some of your "crazy cool God" stories. I will continue to share as God leads me. 

I Needed That!

This message-Toxic-Week 1-absolutely rocked my world. It was like God told Craig, "Jemma Stemmons needs to hear this. Preach it today." The past few weeks, I've been so wrapped up in frustration, have found myself complaining (and even venting on Facebook & Twitter) and questioning some things. Even my morning runs became a challenge. All of the sudden, God speaks directly to me. So many things became clear. "It really is the thoughts that count." "And as a man thinks in his heart, so he is." I've let negative thoughts and attitudes creep in little by little. I've been grumpy, full of complaints and was throwing a grand pity party instead of focusing on TRUTH. 

These thoughts and influences have pulled me away from what God has called me to do. I lost my FOCUS-My One-Thing. The Lord has made it so, so clear (I'll blog more about this another time) that my primary ministry is my family: He has called me to stay be home, run our household and to homeschool our girls. How can I effectively do these things when negative thoughts are ruling my life? How can I lift up and be a supportive partner to my husband? Kids learn by example. What kind of example am I setting for my girls? How can I go out and be a beacon of light for God in the world?

The bible tells us to guard our thoughts (Proverbs 4:23). When negative thoughts creep in, to take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:4-5), to replace these negative thoughts with God's truth (Philippians 4: 7-8) and to renew our minds (Romans 12:2). So with this new week, I've been "detoxing." My FOCUS is back on God. I am praying and digging into God's word with more intensity than ever before. I have a new fire that's burning and I'm full of excitement with what God is going to do through me and our family. I'm even running better than ever. I am so thankful for a loving and gracious God that sets me back on track!


Are you doing what God has called you to do or have you let TOXIC thoughts overcome you? I encourage you to watch/listen to the message and get a new perspective like me. I promise it's worth 38 minutes of your time.