Captivating

Tonight I am starting a Bible Study with several ladies.  We will be going through the book Captivating by John & Stasi Eldridge.  Here is the product description from Amazon:

Every little girl has dreams of being swept up into a great adventure, of being the beautiful princess. Sadly, when women grow up, they are often swept up into a life filled merely with duty and demands. Many Christian women are tired, struggling under the weight of the pressure to be a "good servant," a nurturing caregiver, or a capable home manager.

What Wild at Heart did for men, Captivating is doing for women. Setting their hearts free. This groundbreaking book shows readers the glorious design of women before the fall, describes how the feminine heart can be restored, and casts a vision for the power, freedom, and beauty of a woman released to be all she was meant to be. By revealing the core desires every woman shares-to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a grand adventure, and to unveil beauty-John and Stasi Eldredge invite women to recover their feminine hearts, created in the image of an intimate and passionate God. Further, they encourage men to discover the secret of a woman's soul and to delight in the beauty and strength women were created to offer.

I read this book about 3 years ago.  At the time, I was in a hard place in my life. I was not aware of my true identity in Christ, nor was I able to experience His love that way I was intended to feel it. Even though this book ministered to me greatly at the time, I feel like there were many deep revelations that I missed because of the condition of my heart, because I was unable to receive the truth. Over the last year I have received much inner healing, and although I am still walking that journey, I feel I am in a better place now for my heart to fully accept and receive ALL that God has for me. I have been praying about doing this study for a long time, and I felt that now was the time.  Although I will be facilitating this study, I am excited to be able to learn and grow right along side these women.


Over the next 10 weeks (beginning next Thursday), I will be putting up on my blog a post detailing the revelation that we receive from this study.  The purpose would be that you are encouraged and strengthened on your journey as you pursue Him with your whole heart and as He reveals the truly beautiful and captivating woman that you are.  I hope you will follow along with me and post your comments about what God is revealing to you!


This is totally random, but since I am not artsy, if anyone knows of someone who can create a button for my blog for this study, that followers can grab and put on their blogs, I would be so appreciative.


Praying you are having a blessed week!

Random Dozen - Plinko Style!

Here we are!  Sorry I couldn't play last week.  I was up to my ears in getting ready for our very first every conference at church.  It was quite the success.  I did miss participating here though.  I promise not to make my disappearing from the RD a habit.


1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet? Oh my!  I believe the oldest pair of shoes I own is about 5 years old.  They are a ratty old pair of slip on tennis shoes which I absolutely love.  I just cannot part with them despite the fact that they have holes in them.


2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety? Oh yes!  I am proud to say that I did.  I always buy the Thin Mints and Peanut Butter ones.  Now look what you've done!  I am seriously salivating just thinking about them.

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to? Nope, and I really desire too.

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager? Yes!  I was a good kid.  I am very proud of my teenage years.

5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see? Three. The Blind Side, which was one of the best movies I've ever seen; Up, which was a true joy and delighted my heart; and Avatar, which was intense and most definately at the top of my list of all time favs.

6. If you're going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself? It's easier for me to watch others.  I tense up way too much, and they always have trouble locating my veins, so it makes the ordeal much harder and uncomfortable for me.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why? I would have to say Monday, because it's my day off.

8. Do you miss anyone right now? I miss my grandmother, who's been with Jesus now for about 10 years; and my best friend Kristin, who moved to Arizona.  I love you Kristin!

9. Do hospitals make you queasy? Not hospitals in general, but the smell of them often does.

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you. As I sit here looking at furniture I've had for over 18 years, I would have to say Ashley Furniture.

11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items? It depends.  Sometimes the non brand is just as good; other times, not.

12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels? Both are equally hard for me.  I don't like to look into people's eyes at all.  I hear it's a confidence thing and something I've been working on my entire life.

Seven Mountain Revelation

Have you ever had an experience with God that blew your mind?  That's what this past weekend did for me during our Seven Mountains Conference.  Our guest, Johnny Enlow, brought so much deep revelation forth from God's Word that I can't even begin to explain it all to you.  And although this is fairly new (within the last year) to me as well as many others, this is something that has existed since the beginning.  We are called and equipped to take our place on each of these mountains, those realms that often seem "unattainable" -- Government, Economy, Family, Education, Media, Arts/Celebration & Religion.  We do not need to take these places through force.  If we simply trust God and step out in obedience, and come as servants, God will do the rest. When we understand that it is GOD who does the work, and that we simply partner with Him, it brings the tops of these mountains within our reach. It is God's heart and desire that Godly men and women occupy these high places.


Although I haven't absorbed it all yet in order to share more, my Pastor did a great job of summing things up.  You can read his blog post here.  On Saturday night, we spent some time resting in the presence of the Lord, accessing Heaven, getting filled with joy and I personally was changed by His love!  I am so madly in love with Him today I just can't stop singing!


Well my peeps, I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! Take some time today to breathe in Jesus and allow Him to carry you away. Let Him overwhelm you with His love today in a fresh, new way!

Where Is Your Area of Influence?

Have you ever sat and thought about where your area, or areas, of influence lie?  As a wife, mother, educator, etc., did you know that God has placed in you the ability to influence not only those around you, but those in high places of society?  Did you know that God has designed you for such a time as this to leave an impact, a mark, on your place in society?  It only takes one to shift a culture, and that one person could be you! Over the last year or so, I have been learning about the Seven Realms of Society, or Seven Mountains of Influence.  What are they you might ask?  Well, I am no expert, but will gladly share the information I do have. The Seven Mountains are 7 sectors of society that mold the way we think.  The culture we life in is directly affected and influenced by what takes place in the "high places" of these seven mountains.  The Seven Mountains of Influence are:

1. Family: Where Generational Blessings or Curses are passed on to our children
2. Education: Where either Truth or lies about God and His Creation are taught
3. Government: Where Evil is either Restrained or Endorsed
4. Business: Where people build for the Glory of God or the glory of man
5. Media: Where events, news and information are interpreted and passed on to people through the lens of good or evil
6. The Arts & Entertainment: Where Values and Virtues are either celebrated or distorted
7. Religion: Where people worship God in "Spirit and Truth" or settle for religious rituals

God's heart is to transform society through the marketplace in each of these areas. Those who sit in high places of authority in these sectors have influence over that particular area.  Did you know that God has equipped you with a unique set of abilities and strengths to influence one or more of these mountains? This weekend our church is putting on The Seven Mountains Conference with guest speaker Johnny Enlow, author of The Seven Mountain Prophecy and The Seven Mountain Mantle.  We are excited to receive a greater revelation of these seven areas of influence and how we can impact our city and region for Christ.

Where do you feel your area(s) of influence lies?  What are you passionate about? For me, there are two areas where I feel like God is growing my passion and desire to both pray and impact: Government and Arts and Entertainment.  In the area of Government, He is giving me a greater burden to pray for our President, our Military, our City officials, etc.  This area seems so big to me, and I am not sure how little ole me could bring change, but little ole me with God, now that's another story!  And, as a painter, singer, and writer, I have been amazed at how God is already using me in these areas to impact those around me. I've only just begun to step out in these areas. I know God has big plans!

Begin to pray and ask the Lord where your area or areas of influence are.  Then, believe that He will equip you and give you strategies for impacting your city, region and our nation for His glory! I would love for you to leave a comment and let me know which of these seven areas you have a desire to be used by the Lord to bring a shift.

Have a blessed weekend!

The Voice of the Psalms - Book Review

I was very excited to review The Voice of the Psalms as part of the BookSneeze book review program for Thomas Nelson.  This translation has many contributors known as Friends of the Ecclesia Bible Society.  All of its contributors are artists -- musicians, writers, editors and scholars, and this is displayed through the book's beautifully illustrated cover, artistic background on every page, as well as the thick paper it is printed on.  It is a nice book to hold in your hands and read!  Overall, I liked the book.  As a person who has somewhat limited understanding of the Bible on the first read, it is always helpful to find a translation, such as The Voice, that will attempt to put the Word of God into today's language to help the reader understand the scripture.  I do question, however, whether this particular translation holds true to the original context of scripture.  For instance, throughout The Voice, the Name of the Lord has been replaced with The Eternal One.  Although I am not one to judge if this is right or wrong, it is foreign to me to speak of the Lord in this way.  My mind would immediately go back to the translations I was most comfortable with which refer to the Lord as simply that, Lord.  On a more positive note, I did find the small devotionals throughout The Voice helpful, and I appreciated the four Bible reading plans offered (Advent, Lent, comfort and guidance, and praise) which are given to further assist the reader.

I would recommend this book for those who have knowledge and understanding of the Word of God already, who will know and understand if something is being taken out of context.  For those such people, it could be a nice refreshing read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Blog Parade - Come Join the Fun!

I am so excited to join in this Blog Parade.  I have been looking forward to this for a while.  I love meeting new people!  This is going to be so much fun!

1. What's your favorite time of the day, and why?  I am a night owl.  After working all day, and coming home to care for 4 children and my husband, I enjoy my "alone" time, usually between the hours of 10:00-Midnight.  I love to spend that time listening to worship music, checking my email, catching up on blogs, oh and doing an occasional load of laundry.
2. If health wasn't an issue, what food could you live off of?  Popcorn.  I am seriously addicted.  I eat an entire bag every night, without fail, before I go to bed.  Luckily, I choose to eat the Healthy Pop, low butter kind, so hopefully my arteries aren't being clogged too much.  Seriously, if I run out I grieve and get really moody.
3. If you could have one wish granted (besides wishing for more wishes), what would it be?  I wish I could afford to be a SAHM.  There is so much benefit from spending so much time with your kids, and even homeschooling.  I feel like I've missed out on a lot.  But I do love the job the Lord has given to me!
4. What's one thing that you get teased about a lot?  I have been known to have quite the slip of the tongue.  I have said some pretty funny and often embarrassing things that have kept people laughing for years, none of which I care to repeat here!
5. If you could choose one movie, book, or TV show to spend your life in, which would you pick? What type of character would you be?

Hard question.  It's hard to single out just one.  I would love to have been Elizabeth Bennett in Pride & Prejudice.  I find that era very romantic.
6. If you could have one talent that you don't already have, what would it be?  I would love to be able to play the piano.  I love to worship the Lord and I can picture myself sitting at the piano and just worshipping my little heart out (and maybe writing a song or two)!
7. If money were no object, where would you go on vacation?  I have always wanted to take a cruise.  I would love to go to Alaska or Canada.
8. If you were an awesome singer, which genre would you sing?  Christian/Worship.  I can't think of doing anything else since it's pretty much all I listen to!
9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what would it be?

I would buy all kinds of stuff for myself, my family, and all of my closest friends!  Okay, on the more practical side, I would have to say:

10. If you could live in any point in time, when would it be?  The time period of Pride & Prejudice and such novels.  Things seemed so simple then, although I wouldn't want to be without money.  I wouldn't want to have to choose a mate based on a need and not out of love.
11. If every outfit in your wardrobe had to be one color, what would it be?

NEED I SAY MORE!
12. If you were one of the seven dwarves, which one would you be?
(Doc, Grumpy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Bashful, Happy, or Dopey)

I hate to admit it, but it's true. I am still learning to relax and "take a chill pill" as my kids would tell me.
13. What's the last album you listened to?
Fling Wide, by Misty Edwards.
14. What's something we'd be surprised to know about you?
I have unfinished laundry in both the washer and dryer, and a couple of baskets yet to fold.  I can't really think of anything else.


To join the 32nd Street Party, visit Abigail and The Rear Window.