The Pre-Conference Weekend Getaway

When my friend Heather first asked me to help with her recent big adventure, I hesitantly agreed but took a deep breath knowing it was merely days from my own next big adventure. There wasn't any available free time as preparations were being made for our first Mom Heart Conference but; yet, I could hear the excitement in my friend's voice. This was really a big deal for her. And she asked me to give two devotions. That was a big deal for me. So, I said yes. And boy, am I glad I was open and available for the unexpected.

Recently, I discovered Heather and I share a dream of owning and operating a bed and breakfast. This weekend adventure deemed "Heather's Eat, Drink, and 40 Wink Craft Sleepover" was to be a beginning of her dream. About fifteen women had paid money and signed up to sleep over to create and share fellowship with one another. Little did any of us know what we had in store.

 I was the first to arrive that morning. The farm dogs chased me up the long driveway, which hides the homes of both Heather and her sweet parents, Mike and Nell. As I topped the hill of the driveway, I felt as though I was entering some sacred place of rest. The cows were grazing on the left. Nell was heading to the barn on the right, with that winsome smile of hers, and I believe I passed Mike on the golf cart as I drove in. Realistically, I don't think any of them purposely intended for things to be so picturesque. They were simply handling daily chores, subduing, or bringing to productivity,  what's been given them. Because God's given me eyes to behold beauty, it was truly an inviting entrance.

After literally being threatened by Clem, the blue tick hound, I safely made it to the door. God, how I long to have a  male protect me, in that manner. That blasted dog worships Heather. And she treats him like another child. That dog reminded me of Ruth...wherever Heather goes, Clem goes.. Heather's people are Clem's people...although that took a lot of settling into.

Once finally inside safely, before even seeing Heather, I noticed how bright and lovely everything looked. There was light streaming in every window on the east, color splashing, and beauty abounding. Although, I had never seen Heather's home a wreck, it was almost as if there was an anointing pouring out of every room. Sometimes I think, as a believer, you've just got to be looking for God and you will find Him. The ancient prophet Jeremiah says,

  "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your  heart."

Heather promptly reported she didn't lay down til 5am...it was 8:15. I could sense a teensy bit of anxiety or fretting, but only a teensy bit. When you are doing what you love, it's empowering, although; it can boost our adrenaline levels sky high. So I prayed for her. What a privilege to invite God into our day, knowing and believing He only had good in store for the day.

Jeremiah 29:11

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."

Women began trickling in slowly, relationships began forming, and beauty began increasing. I slipped nextdoor, stepping over the dog barrier, to experience a different kind of beauty, Heather's mom's kitchen. Once I saw Nell's home, I understood where Heather acquired her love for creating beauty in her home...from her Momma, right next door. Nell was finishing up the chocolate gravy and homemade biscuits, which we carried over together to the ladies.

The remainder of the day is to be experienced personally but my story is simply to give you a little peek into what happens when a woman leans into God and her dreams. 

Heather gathered us around to share her heart about our time together, allowing each lady to introduce herself. Afterwards, we headed downstairs to begin creating. Her daddy Mike was ready with the jewelry tools in hand to help us ladies. By the way, Heather, along with her family and friends, had transformed the basement, adding a vintage bathroom complete with a trough shower stall and metal walls. She had made space for eight vintage beds, covers, canopies, you name it. It was literally like entering a fairly tale land.











We shared delicious food and drink. too many snacks, and created til our hearts were overflowing...well after midnight. During the meal times, I was privileged to share my heart about having a life giving home...a place for our families to become and belong. It was a rich time for all of us, to welcome the Bread of Life into our conversations as we broke bread together with shared fellowship and prayer.

Acts 2:42-47

"They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers."

In hindsight, it was as if in my perspective, God took his mighty hands, pulled back the clouds a little, and gave each of us women in Heather's home a view of heaven. Through shared time, tears, and laughter, I believe we each left with hearts full and hungry for more of the good life God's promised to His children.

If you ever need a beautiful space to get away or want to join an upcoming event of creating in Heather's home, take the initiative to sign up and go. God is there. You can meet Him, enjoy Him, and leave a better person. Saying yes to Heather to participate in her adventure not only enlarged my heart, but better prepared me to minister the following weekend at the Mom Heart Conference. As shared recently by my mentor Sally Clarkson,

"God has friends for you that you don't even know you need."

Heather has been one of those friends. Are you open to learn from the people God keeps bringing across you path? Will you ask God to help open your heart to invite others end. I promise the rewards are great.

How are you using your own gifts and abilities to draw others in that they too might better know the love of God? I would love to hear from you about ways you are seeing Him in your daily arenas of life.

Love,
Pam

For Singles on the Day Meant For Couples

This story's been brewing for a while. I mean how do you write about a love that's incomprehensible. How does one pen the unsearchable treasure of a love that knows no limits...is unconditional and reaches into the corners of souls. It's to be experienced but I long to share that experience with you.

It seems odd, as a single woman and mother, that Valentines is one of my favorite holidays. The day seems deemed for couples to find that special outing, gift, or experience. Gifts are not my love language. Yet, when you are filled up with the loving greatness of God, it has to be poured out.

The love filling, a lifetime Valentine, has been an ongoing filling as I journey through life. Yet, there have been seasons where it comes freely and fully to the point of overflowing. This most recent awakening to God's love began at the end of November.

Having reviewed my calendar to mentally prepare for what was ahead with the holidays, I became aware that between my three teenager athletes left at home, we had 22 ballgames in 18 days. I didn't find one thing spiritual about that so I took my heart to my heavenly Father.

"Trust in him at all times, pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8"

I ask God to help me over the next 22 days as Advent was welcomed. I asked specifically that He show me one thing every day, besides a ball game, that gave me a glimpse of Him affording me the opportunity to worship. I enjoy basketball but I longed for something different to prepare my heart for the holidays...a meeting with the heavenlies, outside a gym that was either beautiful or meaningful. I wasn't prepared for the outpouring of His answer. But it was truly an Advent revelation that filled my heart. Here are just a few touches of the Master's hand during Advent....all because I asked.

He allowed me to run across an old leather bound notebook that belonged to my Grandmother. I loved pouring over the pages of what was important to her: food, recipes, and a Christmas list for her family!

Saturday Breakfast with Lawren, my oldest, at the Lumberyard

Thomas, my youngest, helping decorate the store for Christmas.

Finished product!

Surprised by Mary...Arab City Park at Christmas

It wasn't all bad:) especially when the newspaper captures a great pic!

I've been waiting to share this for a while. I considered titles like "The 22 games of Christmas" ,"The 12 Days of Christmas...not". Yet, as I continue to ponder what transpired, it seems Valentines Day is a fitting as any to brag on my heavenly Father.

How are you experiencing the tangible love of God? For many, like me, there isn't a husband to be affirmed by here with skin on at least. Will you consider God to be your husband? His word says it is so. That settles it for me. Will it settle it for you?

"In that day", declares the Lord, "you will call me 'my husband'....Hosea 2:16

Happy Valentines Day friend. May you know the love of God today in the deepest recesses of your being.

Love,

Pam

How I Got To Where I Am

Life seems to moving at a more rapid pace than usual which equates with what feels like fast forward. I thought once the 22 games in 18 days (another story in itself) was complete, there was nothing left but to slow down. Wrong. Business at the store is great. The two high schoolers are finishing up their basketball seasons, some of the decorations are still up...yep Christmas, and  the opportunities to join God where He is at work keeps me inspired daily.

Today, what I am most excited about is the upcoming Mom Heart Conference of North Alabama to be held here in Huntsville in March. I had the privilege of sharing my heart online recently. Click  here   to find out more about this upcoming event and a little about me and "how I got to where I am."

Have a glorious weekend.

Pam

Inspiration Fleshed Out: A Different Kind of Thanksgiving

Inspiration comes in various ways for me and I'm never quite prepared for it. As wreckless as grief can be when it blindsides you during a normal day's activities, inspiration will creep in like a wrecking ball as well. The difference for me is grief will subside as I feel the pain, cry out to God, and thank Him for the opportunity to be impacted so greatly by another human. Yet, inspiration won't leave me. No  matter how much I try to "talk down" the new crazy idea, plans begin to take shape inside my head. Before I know it I'm actually verbalizing the idea with others for feedback.

That's what happened for Thanksgiving Day. The idea popped into my head to use our family  business Graves Grocery as an outreach for the needy as a place to celebrate Thanksgiving. It all started when an elderly customer came in for biscuits for breakfasts. He said, "I can't cook anymore because I can't see well. Yesterday I nearly burnt the house down trying to cook myself something." Then another regular customer who comes in every day for over a year now for his "scrambled egg sandwich", prompted my thoughts that he has no family outside of his twin brother who lives with him. Who will they celebrate Thanksgiving with?

I first went to my family for their blessing to step outside of our traditional family day together. The first response came from my brother, "That's the best idea I've heard of in a long time." One by one each member agreed to venture off our traditional path to spend the day serving our community.

Then I begin reaching out to others more knowledgeable than myself like Fran from the Manna House. She serves thousands on Thanksgiving day. By the time word got out, I had more volunteers and resources than we could even use for the day. I literally had to turn families away from volunteering because we had so many offers to help. There were those who cooked hens for the chicken and dressing. Then my friend Lynette  baked every pie or cheesecake from scratch that was served that day. There were so many who gave monetary donations to help with any expenses. Another regular customer, a business man in the community, asked specifically if there were any funds needed. He didn't want me to be out any for the outreach. I assured him we had been generously provided for our day's needs.

The blessings of family and friends!

 I learned something important from this venture on Thanksgiving Day.

 SOMETIMES THE RESOURCES ARE IN PLACE, A COMMUNITY JUST NEEDS A PERSON TO SPEARHEAD THE MINISTRY. 

I live in a small unincorporated rural community. Yet, I was amazed at the people who reached out to support this endeavor. There were so many verbal blessings, comments on social media, offers to help, money donations, etc..One lady even called from Florida. She said her mother lived in nearby Priceville. She had lost her dad this year. They were looking for something different to do on Thanksgiving to help knowing the holiday would be hard with their loss. Although we had enough volunteers, she was so encouraging over the phone about our outreach. One time I attended a church where the pastor was commenting on church giving. He was saying thanks to the congregation but said, "Your giving is ridiculous it's so abundant." I never forgot that and that's exactly how I feel about my community.

What a blessing it is to be a part of a place where hearts are big, hands and wallets are open, and I'm trusted to manage that honorably.

There weren't enough business cards to send out with plate lunches and I never got around to having a little note to include in each bag that shared my heart about the day. I wanted every person eating to know that because I had experienced the transforming love of Christ it was my hope that in some small way their meal would do the same for them. I wanted them to know they were important to me and to God...that their life mattered. But I'm trusting the prayer covering for the day and our actions spoke louder than business cards or notes.

World's greatest customers and precious friends.

What might God be stirring to inspiration in you? Will you run with it? Start talking about your ideas with a team of friends whose hearts beat for the same purpose.....to share the love of Christ. There are so many creative ways to let people know they are valuable. I hope to hear what ventures the Lord has you on.

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: Our Need For Community

As I grow in my faith journey I become more and more convinced of the need for community in my life.  Furthermore, I realize how needy I am in life. This journey began almost sixteen years ago with my first born son, child number three, who was born with a milk allergy. Our family was on a weekly grocery budget of $50 and suddenly it doubled due to the special formula needed.

As I shared my concerns with my small group of bible study friends, their hearts were moved. I know this because the following week I received a $100 check in the mail for formula. The note read "I had some extra birthday  money and wanted to share it." It was from a lady from another denomination and my first experience in receiving money from outside my biological family. It felt strange but good. The Lord began teaching me then about the mandate and significance of community. One thing I learned is this:

COMMUNITY BREAKS DOWN DENOMINATIONAL BARRIERS

Honestly, I could write all day about community because of the impact it's had in our family's life as a single working mom of five. Soon after this first incident of giving, we joined a church that had a community group structure. Our family found it's place in a small group of like minded families who shared Sunday nights together over a meal. I am convinced in God's sovereignty He placed us in a place that would walk our family through the most difficult season of our life: my divorce. 

The wives in this group would ask the hard questions that I was still to proud to talk about such as, "what bills do you have and how much are they"? These women were the ones who checked in weekly or more often and asked specific questions about our day or week. 

COMMUNITY ASKED THE SPECIFIC AND HARD QUESTIONS

They were the ones to correct wrong thinking if my thoughts were negative and off track biblically. During a vulnerable time such as a divorce, financial or marital crisis, or you name it crisis, the enemy is more prone to attack us in our weakest areas to create doubt, insecurity, and confusion....none of which are ever from God.

COMMUNITY CORRECTS WRONG THINKING AND HELPS US LINE OUR THINKING UP WITH SCRIPTURE

After spending a lifetime in traditional church and knowing hundreds of people, serving on every team possible, and spending countless hours in program driven ministry, these are the women who invited me into their homes and fed my soul, loved my children, and kept my faith alive and strong during the hardest time of my  life. Although that season of our lives together has changed I will never forget the impact they had on my family, the layout of their homes (after countless nights there), or their precious families. It was a life impacting memory imprinted into my heart and soul.

We all need go to people for the various needs in our lives while we, too, have something to offer in return. When you become a Christ follower, the indwelling Christ in you, brings out your unique gifts and abilities which in turn bless those giving. Discipleship, present in the life of community, is a two way process, regardless of how inadequate we may feel, or how limited our resources appear. The indwelling Christ in each of us is unlimited and full of resurrection power waiting to flow out of us as we lean on dependency of His Holy Spirit residing in us.Paul taught this to the Galatians as he reminded them, "Carry one another's burdens, for in this you fulfill the law of Christ."

Who are your "go to" people. I have specific people for specific needs. Since I enrolled  my three youngest children in public school six years ago, I have gone to my friends Dana and Danny who have a daughter Madisen. Hannah and she have played on several of the same sports teams, taken vacations together, and been pulled in the snow on the back of a four wheeler. I can nearly ALWAYS count on Dana to help me because with four children still in sports, there is NO possible way to be everywhere for each of them. 

Yesterday we wound up in Locust Fork, Alabama together for a basketball tournament. We discovered this beautiful bridge between games and were able to celebrate our girls and life together. It was good....the way God designed community to be.

If you don't have your go to people, ask God to show you who is safe and seek them out. If you are single, I strongly suggest you seek healthy married couples so your children have a picture of all Christ wants for them in spite of our own life disappointments. Don't be afraid or too prideful to ask for help. It's biblical and the blessing is waiting on both ends. And it will bring your rest for your soul.

I would love to hear about your family of faith that is encouraging you.

Love, Pam

Single Mom Sabbath: For When Depression Sets In

It's here. It set in today wanting to stay. The depression. After a tenacious weekend of extended family crisis, my dad flipping his car last night, and running out of progesterone cream....I am a mess. It would be a day that I could have stayed in bed all day feeling sorry for myself.

But someone has to get up and go to work around here and I am the only adult. I guess that means me. So I literally "put on" Christ because it was the only way I was getting there.

Then I remembered how to get out of my hard place. Practice thanksgiving. Another reminder came from a friend many years ago when I thought I couldn't do another day because the grief of losing my love was so debilitating. She gently but firmly reminded me to go do something for someone else. It was a guaranteed way to get out of my self centered state. And it worked. It works every time because it's how we are created...to love and serve others.

So today I got to love and serve my missionary friends from Uganda Simon and Aggie Paech. 

We hosted the first Aggie's Arts trunk show at the store today. It was an opportunity for the community to stop in and meet and greet Aggie, learn more from Simon and she about the various ministry opportunities they work with in Kampala and Kisoro. There were some new beads handcrafted by the ladies in Banda as well for purchase. They are here for seven weeks to raise awareness of their mission in Uganda and prayerfully interact with others who may share the vision of missions and come on board as a supporter.

I got to serve my friends the special of the day: pinto beans and cornbread. And I got to hear Aggie's heart. While asking about there recent trip to Kisoro, she shared what was the most meaningful experience. This trip afforded a new venture. Animals were purchased for 10 families in order for them to begin a business creating a sustainable income to help these families in poverty. You can check out the new ministry opportunity at www.kisorokids.org

Aggie's words were, "this woman was SO SO grateful. She thanked me over and over the entire time we were there." Thanksgiving produces joy. The woman will mate the goat and sell the babies allowing her a first time income!

Caregivers of the Kisoro Kids happy about the animal and potato project!

Here are the first 10 families to receive animals! This is something that has been way out of their reach. Through raising animals they will be able to meet many more of their needs, including paying school fees for their children

And the most wonderful thing happened when I decided to love and serve rather than feel sorry for myself.

My friends came through. 

All the ones who said they would come to meet Aggie actually did! And many brought their children to meet the missionaries.

And there were even new people who drove from over an hour just to be a part of our venture today! Thank you to each and every person who showed up today. God used you to spread some joy in my heart. I am grateful! And I am joyful.

May we "rest" from moments of depression today by practicing gratitude and by loving and serving those God places in our path.

I would love to hear how He's working that out in your life.

Love, Pam