The Rest of the Pre Wedding Story

Today's news won't wait another day. I've waited for months to pen the perfect story, one that would inspire others to keep hoping, believing, and living into their dreams. But this morning yields a new understanding of the verse, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out!" What do I want to cry out? I'M GETTING MARRIED. I've spent the last nine months pondering and treasuring all that was transpiring in my heart. Today I give you the big news! Soon, hopefully, I can share more from the heart. But know you got the scoop here first! #myheartisshouting #fromtherooftops #luke19:40#luke2:19 #turningpamturney #storyoftheday #shesgettinghitched#godisfaithful ##dreamsdocometrue

The above post appeared on social media this past week. The response has been overwhelming. Thank you for all the heartfelt wishes for my upcoming marriage. And now, for the rest of the story..

I will marry my best friend and confidant on November 12. The journey to get here has been marked with abuse, pain, and loneliness. Honestly, I had resolved, that most likely a man would not be part of my single mom life until after my children were out of school. I am glad I was wrong. I am glad my heart was open. 

I wasn't looking for a husband and Marty wasn't seeking a bride the first day he walked into my little country store Graves Grocery. He was looking for a biscuit. Country ham to be exact. The biscuit, and maybe the friendly atmosphere, brought him back. And he kept coming back. And he stayed for long periods of time. It didn't take a rocket scientist to determine he was lingering on purpose. After many weeks, he finally invited me to dinner....again and again. And now we are here.

For the last decade I've been a single mom to five children. Lawren, 24, has been married to Brandon for two years and they are seeking full time Christian missions. Mary Catherine, 22, will graduate in the Spring from UNA as a Division II National Champion Softball player. John, 18 year old senior, Hannah ,16 year old sophomore, and Thomas, 14 year old freshmen all attend the local high school and are actively involved in sports, friends, video games, and life. I wanted you to know a little about them because Marty is getting all of us.

ISN'T IT AN ABSOLUTE MIRACLE THAT A MAN WANTS TO MARRY A WOMAN WITH FIVE KIDS?

Our recent beach trip with a few extra..because more is merrier.

God is still in the miracle making business. Don't ever stop believing, hoping, or dreaming. He truly does give us the desires of our heart as we trust in Him, delight in Him, and commit our ways to Him. (Psalm 37) What miracle do you need today? Will you trust Him for it?

These past nine months of getting to know one another has been a journey of faith that I never expected. I've never known a man like Marty, one so solid in his faith...like a steady ship that sails steadfastly through the waters, eyes fixed on the prize of heaven, as he goes about life day by day. It's been a steadfastness or security that has handled the tumultuous emotions of a broken woman, failed marriage, now small business owner, and headstrong, maybe even stubborn woman.

Occasionally I was asked by well intended friends, "what are you looking for in a man?" That answer was quick and easy. I'm looking for a man sold out to Jesus so he doesn't look to me to fulfill all his needs. I'm looking for someone to enjoy the journey of life with." Marty asked me early on in our relationship, "what do you see in me?" It was easy to respond. "I see Jesus and that makes you the most attractive person in the world to me."

Turning Pam Turney...November 12, 2016

I now know why Ruth has always been my favorite bible story. For years I kept going back to it for so many reasons. First, Ruth's commitment to her mother in law Naomi, after all the men in their life died, was unwavering. It became a picture for me of our commitment to God. Secondly, I didn't want to become bitter, like Naomi, from a failed marriage. Finally, I wanted to believe that, like Ruth, God would, in His divine supernatural way, place me exactly where I needed to be, at the right time, for His man to see me, be interested, and pursue me. I tried singles groups. It was miserable. I tried online dating. It was scary and a time waster. Finally, I relented to waiting...waiting on God to move. And when he did, I chose not to give into fear. I took Him at His word and slowly learned to take Marty at his word.

One of the greatest lessons in life I have learned is that God is always working. As we faithfully go about the tasks He has before us each day, caring for those He's entrusted to us, and serving Him wholeheartedly, He is watching. 

"For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." 2 Chronicles 16:9

We don't have to seek out love. He will bring it to us. It will be beyond your wildest dreams and more than you could ever imagine. Those aren't my promises. They are God's. (Ephesians 3:20) I love the story of David. He waited over 20 years to become King of Israel after being given the position as a teen. We see many stories of waiting in scripture....Noah, Moses, and David are just a few. I have found it is in the waiting that God is shaping our hearts, renewing our minds, and strengthening our faith to ready us for all He has for us.

Psalm 78:70-72 speak about God removing David from his day to day job to bless him with more.

He also chose David His servant

And took him from the sheepfolds

From the care of the ewes with suckling lambs He brought him

To shepherd Jacob His people,

And Israel His inheritance.

So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart

And guided them with his skillful hands

I see this story played out in my own life. As a single mom, day after day, I decide to do the right thing to work and care for my children. I take seriously the commands to train a child up in the way he should go...to disciple my children...to live out the gospel in my home. God has blessed my meager fish and loaves and afforded me the privilege of running a small business in my community. He has grown the business over the past three years. And NOW He has brought me a Boaz, a man to join my story of redemption by loving and caring and committing himself to me.

It will take the rest of my  life to wrap my head around this. But I plan to savor every moment of it.

Whatever you are waiting for, as a believer, know that your heavenly father is watching. He sees the desires of your heart because He gave them to you. Keep trusting, keep believing, and keep waiting. 

GREATER IS COMING.

The wait has been so worth it.

No longer waiting,

Pam

I wasn't looking for a husband and Marty wasn't seeking a bride the first day he walked into my little country store Graves Grocery. He was looking for a biscuit. The best I recall it was country ham to be exact. The biscuit, and maybe the friendly atmosphere, brought him back. And he kept coming back. And he stayed for long periods of time. It didn't take a rocket scientist to determine he was lingering on purpose. After many weeks, he finally invited me to dinner....again and again. And now we are here. You will have to read more of the story online from my blog found at www.gravesgrocery.com

I wasn't looking for a husband and Marty wasn't seeking a bride the first day he walked into my little country store Graves Grocery. He was looking for a biscuit. The best I recall it was country ham to be exact. The biscuit, and maybe the friendly atmosphere, brought him back. And he kept coming back. And he stayed for long periods of time. It didn't take a rocket scientist to determine he was lingering on purpose. After many weeks, he finally invited me to dinner....again and again. And now we are here. You will have to read more of the story online from my blog found at www.gravesgrocery.com

I wasn't looking for a husband and Marty wasn't seeking a bride the first day he walked into my little country store Graves Grocery. He was looking for a biscuit. The best I recall it was country ham to be exact. The biscuit, and maybe the friendly atmosphere, brought him back. And he kept coming back. And he stayed for long periods of time. It didn't take a rocket scientist to determine he was lingering on purpose. After many weeks, he finally invited me to dinner....again and again. And now we are here. You will have to read more of the story online from my blog found at www.gravesgrocery.com

It's Good to Know Where You Are Headed

Whether you are headed to the grocery or church knowing how you will get there is quite helpful. I am reminded of a quote that's stuck over the years:

FAIL TO PLAN, PLAN TO FAIL

When I became a mother, I needed a plan. My growing up years had not included alot of time around infants or toddlers. I managed to live a fairly self centered life. About the time I came to the end of  myself, through many trials, toils, and fears, I found myself a mother to a living being who needed me for everything.

Within a couple of years I was expecting again.

At a  loss for what to do with these little people God entrusted to me I found myself depressed and even angry at times. I was isolated and ill equipped to handle such a big responsibility. We muddled through the first few years of life with family but I longed for something more. I just didn't know what. Something deeper for my children. It was about then I reached out to an old college friend who sent me to the nearest bible study. She recognized the signs that I was in need of community and time with God.

Getting into God's word opened my heart and mind to hearing from the Lord personally and better understanding the nature and character of God. Our family had decided to homeschool so I was in more need of community than ever. A friend at bible study introduced me to the  Clarkson's Educating the Whole Hearted Child. The discipleship model of parenting resonated with  my spirit and freed me from the burdens of legalism imposed on me by my own mind and well intended others.

The next 15 years included yearly Mom Heart Conferences, recent summer intensives, and the birthing of local mom heart groups to encourage and equip one another. What I didn't expect to transpire was a failed marriage and the onset of becoming a single working mother of five children.

I needed a new plan. But I didn't need a new God. The heavenly father that I had been cultivating a relationship with carried me, sustained me, and gave me new hope for ALL of His promises to still be true in spite of my new marital status.

I'm so grateful the truths afforded me by my mentor Sally Clarkson rang true during the most difficult season of my life. Because my faith journey had grown leaps and bounds over the past decade God equipped me through His word, His body, and His Spirit to walk through this very hard and dark place.

Maybe you are walking through a difficult time.

Maybe you are struggling with a wayward child.

Maybe you are beaten down by your past.

Maybe you need help with your plan.

Whatever your circumstances, I believe you will be encouraged by attending the upcoming Mom Heart conference in Illinois. It would be my honor to meet you as I share from my heart

 "Can Broken Stories Have Happy Endings?"

Come and meet several of my friends, strong women of faith, who haven't had an easy life but serve a great God. We look forward to meeting you the first weekend of November.

Find out more information about the conference here: www.amomsheartinil.com

Single Mom Sabbath: Why I Keep Trying

I'm back....barely.  Today marks day 10 of feeling yucky. Thankfully, I'm one of the ones who fell into the blessing of Obamacare. After 15 years of no insurance I am now insured and on antibiotics for a severe sinus infection. Alabama has seen temps vary in 24 hours by more than 30 degrees. We haven't known whether to wear snow boots or flip flops. Ironically, this weather calls to mind the internal crisis I can incur daily left to my own.

Being sick for so many days while life continues to happen can spiral one into depression quickly. As the sole proprietor of our family business, there is no shutting down due to illness because we want to eat everyday. Therefore someone's gotta go to work.

However feeling bad will allow justification for letting the less important stuff go...folding laundry, cooking, and cleaning. Hence, the idea for today's Sabbath post. I've had my Easter tote of decorations out for over a week. In the attic, I keep a tote for every major holiday and 1000 totes for Christmas:)

I try to split the decorations: taking some to the store to inspire my customers while keeping some at home to continue the tradition for the children of bringing their thoughts toward something more than their cell phones or dinner.

Today Lawren, my oldest daughter, and her husband Brandon are coming for lunch. I never knew how much I would miss her when she got married. They only live about an hour away but they both work full time while she also teaches dance. Our schedules leave time for texts and short phone calls occasionally.

Because they are coming I became motivated to finally empty the Easter tote to bring some beauty into the clutter for lunch today. As I cut the devotion strips, punched holes (btw: I've been looking for our hole puncher for two weeks minimum...finally broke down last night and sent Hannah into Wal-Mart to purchase one because I had already stopped earlier in the week at the Dollar Tree to come up empty handed), hung the devotion cards onto the Easter tree, I questioned myself, "Why do you keep trying?"

Here's the first pic: leftover Valentine decor becomes an Easter Tree but first have to rid the clutter!

Why do I persevere season after season of climbing into the attic, finding and dragging down the appropriate tote, clear off a spot to decorate, and then take it down to start over again? Well, because my first thought is, "If I don't take the time to do this for my  kids, who will?" There isn't anyone else here.

I want my kids to know the importance of tradition and beauty. I want them to know holidays are special and some even sacred and holy. How can they know that if they are not invited in to celebrate?

More than tradition, I want to obey the command in scripture to teach my children. In Deuteronomy 11:18-19

"You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up."

When I stop a moment to think about all God has rescued me from, how He has redeemed and restored me, His great love for me is written on every page of my story.

We love because God first loved us...1st John 4:19

A love response to God from me is my small effort to impact my children's hearts for the kingdom of God by bringing out the decorations. Their hearts are precious and it is my responsibility and privilege to speak life into them in creative ways. I am trusting that because I keep trying and God is faithful, my efforts will not be in vain.

Final pic: the reason I keep trying: Because God has entrusted these 5 precious soles to this single momma.

Will you consider this morning how the Holy One has rescued, redeemed, and restored you?

Will you ask the Holy Spirit for creativity to pull some items together and place as a focal point to celebrate the Lenten season as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

Yes, it is a little work to get it done, but the result is rest for my soul which is my aim.

Bringing beauty into my home and into our hearts pushes the negative out of  my spirit and replaces with rest of God. Will you try it and tell me about it?

Love, Pam

Becoming Bold

It started with a check that came in the mail fifteen years ago. I had given birth to my third child, my firstborn son. On a limited income, we hoped to nurse. Yet, quickly, John developed milk allergies keeping him from nursing. The formula needed doubled our weekly grocery budget.

I shared a prayer request during the weekly bible study I attended. The following week a fifty dollar check came in the mail from a bible study classmate. She knew we were struggling financially with this added expense. After receiving some birthday money, she wanted to share it with us.

It wasn't easy receiving the money at first.  I had grown up with the mindset of not sharing your personal struggles with anyone. So embracing  a new way of thinking, "that God might want to take care of me through  His people" was foreign. Yet, it was given with such love and joy.

That one act of giving began a snowball effect that continues to this day. Over the span of the last fifteen years our family has been the recipient of hundreds of gifts ranging from food and diapers to frequent flier miles to attend Mom Heart intensives.

Probably the largest reminder I have of the faithfulness of God to provide for my family is my home. About nine years ago my local church asked permission to do some home repair for me. Married at the time to an over the road truck driver made it hard to tackle repairs at home. I was a homeschooling mom of five ranging from two to twelve.

The church called it the Jerusalem Project. They sent us out of the house for two weeks to complete a "Hallelujah Chorus Task List" which my pastor had requested. What we returned to change our lives forever.

When we returned home there was a welcoming crew of at least 50 who walked us through each room which had been transformed from flooring, paint, to decor. The beauty was breathtaking. I nearly fainted when I saw the deck off the back door which overlooked the river. I had longed for a deck for six years as we could not use the back door because it dropped five feet off the house.

This is the verse the Lord gave to me during the two weeks of waiting while they worked on our home.

Psalm 13:6 "I will sing unto the Lord for He has dealt bountifully with me."

We suspected we were coming home to new flooring and possible painted walls. But we were in awe at the beauty and complete home makeover which became our new home.

We walked into this verse: "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!" There is not a single day I live that I cannot walk into my home and be thankful for all God has done for me and my family.

This season I have realized that as we experience the tangible love of God we become bold.

As we receive and come to know the nature and character of God through the outpouring of His love for us, we are filled with the power of His spirit to walk out what He has called us to in our individual lives.

"For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. "Ephesians 2;10

Experiencing the love of God made me bold enough this summer to start a family business in our community. In June, Graves Grocery: A Community Reststop opened to serve breakfast and lunch to the people in our small community. We are completing our seventh month of business this month.

You can read more about our little place here http://www.waff.com/story/24098447/laid-back-old-country-st#.UqvUkmaw3PQ.facebook

Thus far, having the store has been the most rewarding experience in life other than being a mom. It's like something I waited forever for but did not know I was waiting.

It is an opportunity daily to show the tangible love of God through serving or a kind word. I am trusting God to use me in such a way that, as I share the love of God to my customers, they too become bold.

May you reflect this holiday season on how God has poured out His love for you in your own life. And if there is too much pain to see His love, ask Him to show you. If you belong to Him, He has never left you.

As you reflect on His outpouring of love, may you too become bold.

Have a bold and bright Christmas!

Love, Pam

The Never Ending Valentine Message

I love it that we still have hearts up at the YMCA on the windows in the lobby. Yeah, I know it's the week after Valentines but there is something happy about hearts, love, and chocolate. It makes my heart lighter going into work each day.

The small orderly part of me wanted to transfer the Valentine decor at home for Easter decor Saturday night because I began the lenten devotion on Sunday but I just couldn't do it....YET

I am thrilled to share with you today that the Valentine message can continue. In my study of 1st John 3: 1-3, the message of love, given by God, can continue forever in our heart and mind. Every day can be Valentines!

"See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.
And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

Who is the eternal Valentine...what does He go by?

The Bestower

 Our Hope

 Our Purifier

 and 

Our Lover, especially meaningful to  a single mom.

What does our Valentine give?

Great Love

Purification

Hope

What does He call us?

Beloved

Children of God

Thank you Father for bestowing your great love upon me, calling me your own, purifying me, giving me hope and making me your child. I love belonging to you.

Happy Eternal Valentines Day! May the truth of who God is become evident to you today is a precious, priceless way.

And please, when He does reveal himself, please share it with me.

Love, 

Pam

What doesn't need to change in the New Year

 

The New Year brings about resolutions and changes in many lives. We want to start something new, do better in an area, or stop some bad habit all together. Yet, regarding the word of God,and the presence of God we are to abide. To abide means to to remain, stay, and continue.

From studying the first five chapters thus far of 1st John, the apostle repeatedly states who the believer is and how the believer can know and be confident in their standing with Christ.  He uses statements in 1 John 2:18-21 like...

"because you do know the truth"

"you have an anointing from the Holy One...and you all know."

"as for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning."

I think back about the many things over the years that have gotten me off track. Not, that I am indicating I was out of God's will or doubt His sovereignty.

There are SO many great opportunities to be a part, which are true acts of love and service to others, allowing us to live out the great commission.

However, I know there are times I have been so lost in the ministering, I have been no where near remaining, or abiding in Christ. Irritability, tension, critical spirits surface allowing me to later see how I am attempting to operate in my own strength.

God has used these times, upon reflection, to recognize my need for greater dependency on Him and less on myself.

I was challenged to give 2013 a "Name", which I vehemently fought, since the word that kept coming to me was persist or persevere. I wrestled with God wondering why I couldn't have a fun word like "joy" or "contentment". I am tired of persevering. Also, I didn't want to revisit persisting with God about the opportunity for companionship as a single adult.

But the Father made it clear the persevering is about Him and for His glory. I am to keep on keeping on..taking truth in, letting it remain, continue, abide in me. AND persevere in sharing the truth of who God is with those He brings into my life.

I have learned the hard way I am only content and joyful when I am thanking Him for revealing Himself to me and walking in what He has called me to....

so I will persevere for 2013...I will continue, remain, and abide in Christ.

What will you abide in?

I would love to hear from you!

Happy New Year!

Pam

For When You Feel Desperate

There have been periodic times in my life that I have felt nothing less than desperate.

Those times have encompassed the spectrum from all five kids having the stomach bug at the same time to a failed marriage and everything in between.

It seems like I lived my life to please others, constantly jumping through the necessary hoops for acceptance, approval, and identity. I've done it with my kids. I did it in my past marriage. And in another life I did it through relationships.

Furthermore, I have felt desperate to be married again...

Desperate for sleep..

Desperate for companionship...

Desperate for support...

It was even a feeling of desperation that led me to Dallas, Texas fourteen years ago, as I entered the world of homeschooling. I was desperate for direction, resources, and support.

What I encountered was the beginning of a fourteen year journey with my creator God. I became a disciple of Sally Clarkson, the Mom Heart mentor.

For the past fourteen years, Sally, along with her gifted speakers, have gently guided mothers, including myself with practical resources and kind encouragement as we journey in a role as mothers. But the main principle prevailing every talk and every conference has been based on the nature and character of God.

Because Sally has spent thousands of hours studying God's word, the truth of who He is and what He says to me..about me..pours through her.

It has been abundantly clear throughout the years that nothing other than the power of God in our lives and us embracing the truths of God will meet the feelings of desperation we all experience as women in our unique life circumstances.

Although God has afforded me the privilege of a personal friendship with Sally, these truths are available to anyone who desires to resolve their feelings of desperation. Sally has written numerous books, which can be found at www.wholeheart.org

However, today's time is about her most recent work, written along with Sarah Mae, a new fresh voice I look forward to meeting in Raleigh.

Find out more at www.desperatemom.com

For me, the sweetest part of the story includes a small writing part, from me, addressed at the end of the book especially for single moms! (pg.213-214)  If anyone had ever told me that my words would be included in a book that is on the first page of www.barnesandnoble.com or as of yesterday was #54 on www.amazon.com I would not believe it to be true.

Recently I listened to a sermon by Louie Giglio who stated the following point:

"The trajectory of your life is not determined by your present circumstances"

How true for this sweet venture I get to be a part of.

I am 46, a single working mom of 5 children, technically backwards, and understand little of social media.

But I have prayed this week that God would do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine to get this book out there to moms, who were as desperate as I was fourteen years ago. So they, too, can know their maker, and walk confidently in their roles at home.

 He has faithfully heard my prayer, in spite of my lack of computer literacy, and done immeasurably more than we could have asked or imagine.

I pray you will be encouraged by my writing below and know that my God can be your God and meet you in your desperate place as well....Buy your copy today!

A Special Note to Single Moms

"I believe single moms are especially loved by God. He is with you and will support you as you look to him and will work secretly in the hearts of your sweet children, because they, too, are loved by him.
It is my prayer than many of you will find a mentor to love and support you in your challenging and unique calling, so that you will not have to walk this road alone. One of my very dear friends Pam Graves is a single mom who has modeled such faith, grace, and strength over the years and I have asked her to share some of her thoughts about being a single mom."

-Sally

"Because I grew up in a divorced home and knew firsthand the pain associated as a child from a single parent home, I did not plan on being divorced or becoming a  single working mom of five children. Yet, when spiritual matters go unattended in one's life, patterns tend to repeat themselves.
I can honestly say my five children are "standing on my shoulders" are are shaking up the communities where they land, whether it be public school for the  youngest three, college sports for my second born daughter, or my oldest daughter who is presently en route to Berlin, to answer the call to missions.
My sweet nest climbed onto my shoulders as I desperately cried out to the Lord to make me a change factor in our family heritage. I still hold fast to the promises of my Maker that he will complete the good work he began in both me and my children.
There are ongoing battles of depression, loneliness, exhaustion, and character shaping in both my own life and my children. As I give every concern to my Heavenly Father, and press into God in the hard places, he is ever so faithful to meet me and my family in the desperate places, giving grace and lovingkindness to each of us in unique ways that reflect his nature and character.
It can be easy to allow our circumstances to define us: "single," "working mom," "divorced." Even worse, we can buy into the lie that the world judges us because of our circumstances. Whether you are single, divorced, or married, it is imperative to fight the enemy who tries to tear us down.
And we fight, like David, with the power of God's word. God defines us as an inherent treasure that he loved to the point of death. It's the same love we feel about our children. We fight through every battle, insecurity, deception, and fear that they too may know not only how much we love them but also the God of the universe is rooting for them.
Our kids are counting on us. I want to leave a lasting legacy of love and service."

When What Drives You Changes

Recently I wrote a blogpost for Mom Heart about our three gift tradition at Christmas. You can read more about it here: http://www.momheart.org/?s=three+gift+tradition

However this year I did not find my marathon shopping day as enjoyable as usual. It was not a sense of dread but more of duty. We have established these traditions and I must follow through. While that is a good character quality, diligence, I sensed a loss of passion.

Upon revisiting my study of 1st John, I believe I understand why:

In chapter 2 verses 15-17, the apostle John draws a comparison between those of the world and the people of God.

The qualities of those of this world are quite lengthy but make no bones about it:

the love of the Father is not in them

they struggle with lust of flesh

and lust of the eyes

and the boastful pride of life

they do not know their Father

they are passing away

While those belonging to God...

do the will of God

live forever

Pretty simple.  I need simplicity in the New Year. I do not need stress, complications, overwhelming situations, like lines and mass merchandise.

I am a mom. I desire to be available physically, emotionally, and spiritually, which is already a challenge as a single, working mom.

I want to give my kids gifts, and I want to enjoy the process of getting the gifts for them, wrapping, and presenting them.  It is my desire to please my children and celebrate the birth of Christ.

However, recognizing my limitations as a woman who struggles with fatigue and aging, I plan to shop online next year.

I am trusting that will simplify my life and allow me to keep the main thing the main thing..

doing the will of God

living forever

What challenges are you facing that might cause you to question whether you belong to the world or to the people of God. I do not believe we can lose our salvation. Yet, I believe often things of the world will pull on us. Consequently, we make choices that bring our character into question.

How can you simplify your life today for the New Year to keep the main thing the main thing.

With Love,

Pam

Who Needs An Advocate In The New Year

I know I will mess up alot this year. Hopefully less than last year. But what encourages me the most about the new year is the following truth:

I have an advocate, someone pleading in my behalf.

As believers, we all have Christ as our advocate.

In 1 John chapter 2, John writes, "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."

I believe John wants us to know sin is not a necessary component of the Christ life. Yet, because we live in a broken world and struggle daily here, he knows we will. So his very next sentence, gently reminds us,

"Hey, even though you don't have to sin, I know it will happen. But here's the good news: Christ is already pleading on your behalf....that sin is already taken care of by me...Christ."

Furthermore, as a woman of God, I believe the apostle John is telling me, just like Christ told the woman at the well, now because you have experienced me.... go and sin no more.

I am blown away personally by how God wants me to know Him. How available He is to speak to me intimately at any time I quiet my soul and seek Him through His word.

Will 2013 be a time when you get to know God more..

experience Him advocating for you

and respond to Him as advocate by going and

sinning no more

Sin is a hard word to write about. No one likes to be called out on their sin. In my world, as well as the apostle John's, belief was paramount to experiencing God. In other words, might our lack of experiencing God be a result of some form of unbelief, known also as sin.

Even today I wrestled with unbelief regarding living my single mom life. 

Gently, the Father reminded me that although my life may be filled with good deeds and righteous acts, I struggle with belief that He will give me the desires of my heart regarding a mate.  The struggle to believe that He really is big enough to solve the dilemma of a single mom with five children is ongoing.

 Yeah, I know, it even sounds kinda lame here as I write. I mean He did part the Red Sea.

But I do struggle and my unbelief is sin. 

The beautiful reality though is that He has that sin covered and pleads on my behalf as my advocate in spite of my unbelief.

 He loves me enough to show me my sin, allowing me to confess and experience Him more fully.

My prayer  is that 2013 will be full of such times for you as well as me. And I would love to hear about them here.

Love,

Pam

My two birthday weekend!

I was rescued this past weekend.

It is a single mom's story of rescue when life gets overwhelming. As most of my life finds, there is a lesson in the story.

Hannah turns 12 and Lawren turns 20...Breakfast at Another Broken Egg

Coming home from Africa and jumping into the American time culture has been harder than I expected or imagined. Everything is slow in Africa. Not only is the African culture slower but also other elements of the mission trip presented new challenges back at home.

For example, all my meals were prepared for me, someone drove me around for two weeks, and a leader told me where to go and what to do. Back home I am in charge of daily food prep, schedules, and transportation.

In addition a new job schedule with increased hours had me hitting the ground running literally.

So, when this past weekend approached, the timing of celebrating two birthdays seemed somewhat overwhelming. But then came the rescue.

As early as Thursday friends were calling and texting to celebrate with Hannah. Thursday  night friends and neighbors took Hannah to Octoberfest. Here's her prize!

Mt "top banana" Hannah Rosie...who is now 12!

Thank you Debbie and Ashley Doyle for being part of the rescue!

Actually, the rescue started earlier with God's provision of extra work which provided money to give my girls for their birthdays. The mission trip depleted most of what was extra. Since we don't give regularly, on my single parent income, we do BIG on birthdays. So I am so thankful for the extra work which allowed our tradition to continue without being a hardship.

Earlier in the week a good friend offered to treat the two birthday girls Lawren and Hannah and myself to breakfast, while performing Lawren's job duties at church AND driving to pick up my boys and bring them back to church. Sunday morning provided a leisure Sunday breakfast with my girls at Another Broken Egg.

Thank you Mark Butcher for being part of my weekend's rescue.

Lawren, even though it was her big day (she is 20 now) made sure the three younger children were cared for Sunday afternoon while I worked and came home to cook for her own birthday dinner Sunday night. So while I served lunch to about 55 for a couple's forty- fifth wedding anniversary in Hampton Cove, I offered a prayer of thanksgiving to God.

Thank you Lawren, my sweet daughter, for being part of my weekend's rescue.

Happy 20th Birthday Lawren..You are such a blessing!

Finally, there is my sweet and long time high school friend Pat. During my entire 45 minute workout on Friday after MomHeart, Pat casually asked about my weekend plans. I tried to sound excited about celebrating and trust the Father in spite of my fatigue. Pat offered to help...even making suggestions. Pride was long removed and I jumped at the offer.

So while I worked and went straight to a ballgame of Hannah's, Pat got all the food ready, put balloons on the mailbox, set everything up beautifully, and brought hot pizza when the kids arrived for the swim party. Their were skittles abounding, a cupcake cake, chips and salsa, fresh veggies and dip, tiny cokes, and hot pizza....every 12 year old's feast.

Thank you Pat Traglia for being part of my weekend's rescue.

As I finish up the story I am overwhelmed by the goodness and love of God. And today I am thankful for friends who love and serve us.... Friends that think out of the box about expressing God's love for my family.

And I remember a greater rescue. The rescue of God from a life of addiction, alcoholism, and other sin.

Psalms 40:2

Like David, I experienced this:

I waited and waited for God. 

At last he looked; and finally he listened. 

He lifted me out of the ditch,

 pulled me from deep mud. 

He stood me up on a solid rock

 to make sure I wouldn't slip.

 He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, 

a praise-song to our God. 

I am so thankful for the rescue of God. Without it, I would have missed my rescue this weekend. What has your most recent rescue looked like? 

Love, Pam