Cheerfulness

Proverbs 15:13: "A happy heart makes the face
cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."

Proverbs 15:30: "A cheerful look brings joy to
the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."

Proverbs 17:22: "A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

Jake's Lighthouse from Art Class

Psalm 118:27
The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us.

Fill Me Up- A "God-Thought"

As I was leaving the gas station after filling my
car up, I had what I would call a "God-Thought".
I get many of these analogies and I'm not thinking
this way- they just come to me. I believe it's
just the way God speaks to me and gives me things
to relate to His truths.

So I was leaving with a FULL tank of gas after getting
down to about 10 miles left with gas. I know how much
was left because my car tells me the number of miles
on my dashboard. I felt like God was showing me that
when people start to fall away from God it is a slow
fade. They probably know they aren't as close to God
because they aren't reading their Bibles, going to
church, praying, and so on. But they are able to go
on just like they normally do. Eventually they get
less and less of God until all of the sudden, they
are completely empty and things fall apart. Our cars
will drive until they are completely empty, then they
just won't go any further. We become "empty" and our
need to be filled up with God is the only way to get
back onto the right path.

After church last night I felt like another meaning
was there as well. The message was all about who
the Holy Spirit is and the power we have from the
Holy Spirit. We need to ask God daily to fill us
up with His Holy Spirit. This is different from
the Holy Spirit living in us. Many times in the
New Testament the Holy Spirit came upon people and
they spoke God's Word with boldness. There were
also other gifts that came from the Holy Spirit
and allowed Jesus' followers to minister to others
in different ways. We need to be "FILLED UP" with
the Holy Spirit to accomplish what God has for us.
We need to ask God to fill us up and to direct us
in His will for our lives. Obedience and submission
will lead to blessing and a life that can be used
by God. Just like we need to keep filling up our
cars, we need to ask God to keep FILLING US UP with
His Holy Spirit!

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

I had heard about Corrie Ten Boom and her books for
many years from people who have read them. This
Christmas, my friend, Kristi, gave me the book,
The Hiding Place. I was so excited to read it.
It was pretty intense and definitely gave me a
heavy heart for the people persecuted and killed
during the Holocaust.
Corrie lived in Holland and was a Christian. Her
father was a watchmaker and they knew so many people
in their community. This would eventually help them
with contacts when the Germans occupied their country
and put harsh constrictions on them. They ended up
helping and also housing numerous Jewish people who
were hiding out to keep from being captured and killed.
Eventually Corrie and her family were thrown into
prison for helping hide the Jews.
Her book shares details of her time in jail that
most of us could never fathom. The most amazing
parts are miracles and situations that God allowed
throughout her time there. God is faithful always!

I was encouraged as I read about the unwavering
faith of her and her sister.
I was reminded that letting others know about Jesus
and the hope we have to get to heaven is of utmost
importance.
I was challenged to think about my actions
when others offend me in such small ways.
I want to be Christlike always- even in the hardest
circumstances-ESPECIALLY in the hardest circumstances!
That's when we know that we are filled with God's Holy Spirit-
when we can love and pray for others that we would never
"feel" like praying for!

If you haven't read this book- pick it up! You won't be able
to put it down!

What is a Leader?

What is a leader? What do you think are qualities
of a good leader? I played on some of the most successful
teams in softball throughout my career and without
a doubt, leadership was a key to our success.
There were certain characteristics that always
stood out to me.
Here are a few:
1. Confident
2. Courageous: Ready for a battle
3. A team player, not an individual!
4. Positive
5. Makes others feel more confident
6. Lead by example, not just words
7. Wants success for the team most of all

Those are some of my thoughts. Now here is
the example of leadership from the Bible.
Jesus is the ultimate leader and asks us to
follow in His ways.
1. Humble
2. Obedient
3. Brings God glory in words and actions
4. Serves others
5. About God's business always
6. Loving
7. Speaks truth
8. Patient, Kind, Joyful, Peaceful

Those are just a few. I could go on and on.
We really can combine those two examples and
make them one. We can and should be confident
yet humble. We should be loving and positive.

The one thing I will point out is that everybody
has the opportunity to be a leader. That is not
always the case in sports, but it is in life. We
lead by being kind and joyful! When God leads us,
we can lead others! He wants to use you. Ask God to
help you to be a leader in your area of influence.
Ask Him for opportunities to help others or encourage
them. If we ask, we will receive!

Psalm 25:5: "Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You [are] the God of my salvation; On You I wait
all the day."

Happy Birthday to my Little Sister!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister Amy! I hope
you have a wonderful day celebrating the day God
chose for you to be born! Enjoy! I love you!

Amy and her husband, Chris

Justin (14), Amy, Chris, Tristan (1) and Mom

Encouraged by Mary Forsythe, Author and Speaker

On Tuesday night I went out to a home in Arcadia
to listen to a teaching from the heart of a woman
who loves the Lord. I was invited by my mentor,
Paula, along with Alisa (God's Call) and about
30 other women. Mary Forsythe has a ministry
called Kingdom Living Ministries. About 5 years
ago when I first started meeting with Paula, she
told me about Mary and gave me her book,
A Glimpse of Grace, to read.

Talk about a powerful testimony! You can't read that
book without walking away and saying, "Wow, God, you
are truly amazing!" She was a very successful pharmacist
at a young age and traveled all over until she ended
up in prison. God met her in a dramatic way in that
prison cell. After 3 years in prison, she was released
from prison and has been living a life for God and
sharing His truths all over the world. She is a humble
woman who knows the Word of God and has experienced
a complete transformation. God is still teaching her,
like He is doing with those who love Him. He will
continue to change us and teach us until we see Him
face to face.

A few years ago, a few friends and I did her study,
Joining the Journey. It was a very good personal
study that helped us to reflect on the main subjects
of our faith. This is what her site says about the
study:
Loaded with encouragement, practical wisdom and
opportunities to commune with the Lord, Joining
the Journey is sure to help you find your way into
an intimate, vital friendship with Him. As you travel
through these pages, you will learn to:

- discover and fulfill God's purposes for your life
- leave your past behind and enter into the wonderful
future before you
- interact with God's Word and the Holy Spirit in a
deeply personal way
- hear God's voice more clearly
- break free from fear, anger, depression or anything
else that hinders you

I highly recommend her book and her study. I was
encouraged by listening to her and excited to see
a woman who is living out the call on her life!
Join this amazing Journey to follow Jesus with all
your heart- it will be the most exciting thing you've
ever done! And yes, it will be very challenging
at times, but it will be WORTH it!

Hockey, Movies Stars and True Heroes

The view from the Suite- and Jake's not feeling so well
from eating a TON of food!


Last weekend Tommy and Jake were able to spend some
quality dad/son time together. Tommy took Jake
to the Staples Center in LA to see the Kings take
on the Boston Bruins (Tommy's favorite team).
They said it was an action packed game with the
Kings pulling out the victory in the end.

The reason they went (Tommy's co-worker and good
friend, Jeff, went also) was because Under Armour
(Tommy's employer) has teamed up with The Wounded
Warriors Project and they were having a special event that
day. Dwayne Johnson, who is the star in the upcoming
movie, The Tooth Fairy, was there to meet with the Wounded
Warriors who have selflessly sacrificed so much.

They had tons of food at a brunch, watched the hockey
game from their own Suite and Dwayne Johnson came
and visited with them. Jake was able to get an
autographed shirt with him. Tommy tried to take
pictures but they didn't come out (somehow it didn't
work because I wasn't there to help :). After the
game they went to the Premier of the movie. They
had a great time together for a great cause! Great
Job Dwayne Johnson and Under Armour. A HUGE Thank
You to ALL the men and women who serve our country!

Jeff, Shana, Dwayne Johnson, Tommy

Importance of staying close to the Shepherd

Our Bible has many references about shepherds
and sheep. We know that David was a shepherd
as a young boy and then God called him to be
the Shepherd over His people, Israel. The Bible
also tells us that God is the "Good Shepherd" and
David is quoted in Psalm 23, "The Lord is my Shepherd."

As I was reflecting on the idea of God being our
Shepherd, I started to think about how important
it is to stay with the other sheep and close to
the "Shepherd" so He can protect you. When a
sheep wanders, there is the chance that they will
become lost, or even worse, they could become
prey. The Bible tells us "Be sober, be vigilant;
because your adversary the devil walks about like
a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" 1 Pet 5:8.

A true shepherd would give his life for his flock
and that's exactly what God did when He sent Jesus
to die for our sins. Even with our salvation secure,
we need to stay close so that we are protected by
God. The devil will try to isolate us from the
flock (other believers) and try to get us to not
believe God's truth so that he can destroy our lives.
Stand secure in your faith, read your Bible so you
can know the truth, and believe God's promises that
he is not just another shepherd- but He is the GOOD
SHEPHERD who KNOWS His sheep, LOVES His sheep, HELPS
His sheep and SPEAKS to His sheep.

Stay close to the flock- get plugged in at a solid
church that teaches God's Word as the final authority.
Find a mentor or be a mentor: God will grow you in
either position! Pray so you can have conversations
with God and allow Him to change the areas that do
not line up with His will for us. Step out in faith
by obediently following what you believe God has
called you to do. Always remember: never stop following
the Good Shepherd.

John 10:4: "And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes
before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know
his voice."

John 10:14: "I am the good shepherd; and I know My [sheep],
and am known by My own."

Matthew 9:36: "But when He saw the multitudes, He
was moved with compassion for them, because they
were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."

Tune In and Be Blessed

Tomorrow morning (Monday, January 18), Kurt Warner
is interviewed on our show, More Than Conquerors.
I love the fact that Kurt is not only known for
his amazing athletic career, but also very much
for his boldness and living out his faith in
Christ. He is very encouraging and is "the
real deal". I know you will be blessed by this
show, so tune in at 8:30am Pacific, 11:30am Eastern.
The station is Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).
If you won't be home, make sure to record it so
you can watch it later! You won't want to miss it!

We went Bowling, and the winner is. . .

We went bowling this week- who is your pick
for "Bowler of the Day"?

Luke showing that he's small but mighty

Drew gettin' help from the ladies!

Jake and his special twist move

Team 1

Team 2

The winner for the day (2 games of bowling) was. . .

Lukey!!!! The 2-yr-old had the highest score in BOTH
games!


He was so tired (it's tough being so competitive and
beating kids so much older than you!) and he just
went over and laid on the dirty, yucky ground. I
guess he knows that "God made dirt and dirt don't
hurt!

On My Heart

What has God been teaching you lately? What
has He been putting on your heart? With the
7.0 earthquake in Haiti, my heart breaks for
those people. I get tears looking at the
pictures and just pray that they will trust
in Jesus and know there is an eternal home
for them! I pray for their peace and
protection and just pray that people will
give money to help them. We have so much
here and the least we can do is bless them
by sending money. Samaritan's Purse is
an organization that not only provides for
the needs of the people, but they also share
the hope and love of Jesus Christ!

Another thing that has been weighing on
my heart lately is the lies people are
believing about sexuality and impurity
outside of marriage between a man and
a woman. I know we are fighting an
uphill battle as our laws are changing and
they are completely opposite of God's laws.
Every person who calls himself a Christian
must decide if they are going to believe
what God says or what man says. We need
to take a stance. We will face God one
day! The truth needs to be heard, even if
people don't like the truth. I will
write more on this later, but we need to
pray for God to open the eyes of people to
see that He offers a better way. He longs
to bring people out of the bondage they are
in and to show them His perfect love. He
wants them to understand what sin is so that
they can realize that they need a Savior. That
is why Jesus died- to save us. My heart is
heavy for so many living in sin, but I will
pray for them to turn and receive true life!

Isaiah 61:1
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (Jesus),
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those
who are bound."

A Good Deed

Last week my mom and I went on a 3 mile walk with my
boys around our surrounding neighborhoods. Jake rode
his Razor scooter, Drew ran and Luke rode his little
motorcycle where he has to use his legs the entire
time. They kept up pretty well! We were about 2/3 of
the way home when Jake stopped up ahead and picked
something up. So here's what happens:

I say to my mom, "Look, he's picking up something.
He always finds things to collect even though it's
trash."

Then Jake yells to us, "This is trash. I'm going
to throw it away when we get home."

I have to admit, I was thinking he was just collecting
junk again, but he made a really good choice. I told
him that I was proud of him and that God was too.
Drew, my 4-yr-old, watched his example and soon
was finding all the trash he could. They found
bags too, so that worked perfect for them to throw
the trash in. Drew kept saying, "God is really happy
with me."

I made them wash their hands THOROUGHLY when we got
home, but I was very proud of the difference they
made that day! In all they picked up 3 bags of
trash and some extra pieces. Thank goodness we
didn't start until we were close to home!

I will. . .

Praise God for Who He is

Speak the truth in love, even when it's politically
incorrect

Stand up for righteousness

Live my life for God. . .His way

Humble myself

Be slow to speak (one day soon I pray)

Live out my faith so people know it even when
I don't say a word

Love others better with God's grace

Shine the light of Jesus in this world

Accept God's Call on my life

Be a friend who listens to my friends and
prays for them

Encourage others to live set apart lives for
Jesus because there is no better way

Remind people to follow their dreams

Thank God for all my blessings

Follow God whole-heartedly

BECAUSE. . .

I am a CHILD OF GOD!

The Battle Around Us

Do you ever feel like you're in a battle? Do
you ever feel like you want to give up because
things are just so hard! Like it would be easier
to just join the other side and stop fighting!!
You know, like not telling your kids "no" or
"stop fighting" or "no hitting" or "stop
talking back" anymore!
It may seem weird,but being a mom constantly
reminds me of the BATTLE all around me- the SPIRITUAL
battle that we are in. If you are not a Christian,
then this probably sounds crazy to you. But
for those who know their Bibles, we are in a
battle and it is all about GOOD vs EVIL.

This is what the Bible has to say about this
battle: "For we do not wrestle against flesh
and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this age, against spiritual [hosts] of wickedness
in the heavenly places" Eph 6:12.

These are the 2 verses right before that verse:
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your
stand against the devil's schemes." Eph 6:10-11

The full armor of God includes:
Helmet of Salvation
Breastplate of Righteousness
Belt of Truth
Shield of Faith
Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God

We need to understand salvation through trust
in Jesus Christ alone, and we need to "put
on" righteousness, truth, and faith. In
order to be offensive in this battle, we need
to know the Word of God.

When I get tired or frustrated, I may start to
believe a lie or my faith may start
to waiver. I will constantly go back to
the Word of God to remind myself that I
am on the right side of this battle and that
I cannot sit back or give up. I will spend time
in prayer asking God to make me the wife He wants
me to be and pray for my husband faithfully. With
God's strength I will take my thoughts captive to
Jesus Christ and think about what is pure. I will fight
to teach my children what is right, even when
everyone around them does not believe what the
Bible teaches. I will teach them truth and
help them learn to recognize the lies that our
society is teaching. I will remind them that
the Bible tells us:

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome
them, because He who is in you is greater than he
who is in the world."

Fight the good fight of faith! Finish your race
strong! It will be more than worth it!

Sometimes we must WAIT

A couple years ago I spoke at a Softball Showcase.
It was a tournament with High School softball players
from all around the country. I spoke a little about
softball, but I was invited there to share about my faith
in Jesus Christ with the families attending. That stirred
a passion in me that God had been growing since I first
competed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. I felt that God was
giving me a platform to share His truth and love with
others.

At the time I spoke, my youngest son was 5 months
old and my other two sons were 2 and 6. My hands
were full and I could barely think straight at times!
I was also going to enter my 2nd year of coaching HS
Softball in the spring. But why was this passion so
strong to go out and share? This experience sparked
something in me.

It almost was overwhelming and yet I knew it was from
God. I was getting frustrated because I wanted to "use"
this passion. I started asking my friends in Bible study
to pray this same prayer that I started praying: "Either
take this passion away if it's not from You, God, or
show me what You have for me". Eventually I would learn
that SOMETIMES WE MUST LEARN TO WAIT.

As I changed my prayer to "God, help me to learn what you
want me to learn as you are preparing me for the plans
you have for me", my eyes started to see God working in
and through me. That year, I learned in depth about fasting
and prayer. I grew in my study of the Bible and was believing
in the power we have as intercessors in prayer. I learned to
listen to God and to HEAR His still, small voice. So many
things that would deepen my faith and grow my knowledge.

This past year I spoke at a number of different places and
shared many things that God has taught me. I have learned
to pray about the exact message for the group that I am
speaking to and no two messages will ever be the same,
because God speaks to each group uniquely. God usually
works in a way that I would not have expected and that's
why I know it's God.

God is stirring my heart again and so I dig into scripture
and examine myself to make sure I am walking in obedience
to what God has called me to. I am excited to experience
what God has planned for me as He opens doors to bring
glory to His Name. I know this time of waiting will make
all the difference when God says, "The time is NOW!"

Have you experienced a time of "waiting"? If so, did
you learn from that time? A time of waiting can equal
a time of growing!

Why aren't Christians More Bold?

Loved what John Piper had to say on this topic
in this short video.

Trust

Psalm 9:10: "Those who know your name will trust in
you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."

We all have people in our lives that we trust and
can share our personal stuff with, and we all know
people who cannot be trusted. Trust has to be earned.
Someone who is trustworthy is a person of integrity
and good character. The people I trust are honest
and real.

Psalm 9:10 tells us who we need to trust IN. We need
to trust IN Jesus Christ. He is "the Way, the Truth,
and the Life." If we know His Name (He is Emmanuel:
God with us) and who He is (Messiah, King of kings,
Lord of ALL), then we will place our complete trust
IN HIM.

God will never forsake us. Forsake means: to leave,
abandon, forsake, neglect. It doesn't say He will
never forsake those who have said a prayer of salvation,
or those who have been baptized, or those who try
to do good. It says He has never forsaken those
who seek Him. The word seek here means: to practice,
study, follow, seek with application. I am learning
that when I seek God in study and apply His truth to
my life, I realize how close to me He really is at
all times. I recognize His peace and His power in
my life!

Seek God for He is who we need to TRUST IN!

Healthy and Delicious. . .Could it Be???

OK, I am not a very healthy eater. My sister and
my sister-in-law are all about eating healthy, but
my idea of eating "healthier" is Raisin Bran instead
of Fruity Pebbles. My husband is doing a challenge
to lose weight and I thought it wouldn't hurt for me
to try to eat a little better too. I borrowed my
sister-in-law's Eating For Life book. Today I
made "Golden Pancakes" and they were soooo good!

What is even more amazing is that my kids (who
would win an award for pickiest kids alive) LOVED
them and Jake said, "They taste just like French
Toast!"

This may be the only Recipe I do on here (I'm the
one asking for recipes, not giving them, although
I do have a killer recipe my friend gave me for
homemade Chicken Pot Pie).

Golden Pancakes:
1 cup uncooked whole-grain oats (non-instant)
6 egg whites
1 cup fat-free cottage cheese (I used low-fa)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 packet sugar substitute

Directions: Lightly coat griddle with cooking spray;
place over medium heat.
In a blender, combine oats, egg whites, cottage cheese,
vanilla, cinnamon and sugar substitute. Blend on medium
speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
Pour batter, about 1/4 cup at a time and cook until bubbly
on top and dry around edges (about 3 min), then flip
and cook about 2 more minutes.

They recommend sugar-free maple syrup- that will be
the next step. Not sure if I can trick the kids
on that one.

The kids even got filled up quicker on these! Another
plus. Now, I'm off to the Wii Fit Plus that Tommy
bought! This house is getting in shape!!!

Victory USA Softball Clinic

This weekend I helped at the Victory USA Softball
Clinic put on by David Fisher. I've worked with
David a couple times in the past and he does a
great job with the girls that he works with. I
enjoy working with young players and sharing what
matters most in life as well! The girls all worked
hard and my favorite part is that they have a
smile on their faces as they play this game!

Coaches: Erika Fisher, Me and David Fisher

This little one was so adorable I had to
get a picture with her for my blog!

It's a family affair: Even if the little sisters
can't be on the field, they get to HOLD the GOLD!!!!

11 Years of Marriage and a Special Birthday

Today is my 11th Wedding Anniversary and my mom's Birthday!

To my husband, Tommy:

I am thankful for your love! You provide for our
family and make me feel so special. I pray that
we will have many more years of memories ahead
of us! Thank you for allowing me to live out my
dreams! I love you with all my heart!

AND



Happy Birthday to the BEST MOM in the whole world!!!! I
don't know what I would do without you Mom! I am so
thankful you are living with us, even if it is just
for the time being. I love you!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from all the kiddos! (we were missing
6 little ones in the picture- this was a full house!!)

I find it funny: The GIRLS love taking pictures (they
were taking pictures with their own cameras, so I had
to get one too)

The BOYS love playing the Wii!

Strong Words

Reading the Bible will always challenge us because
we can only live the way God wants us to with His
power in us. Without the Holy Spirit living inside
us, we will only try to please God in vain. These
are some verses from the Bible that are very bold
and strong, but this is the truth. You can believe
it or not, but even if you don't believe it, it doesn't
mean it's not true. We would be wise to learn what
the Bible teaches us.

**All parenthesis are my thoughts that I added

1 John 1:5-10: "This is the message which we have heard
from Him (Jesus Christ) and declare to you (everyone), that
God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (He is perfect).

If we say that we have fellowship with Him (call ouselves
Christians), and walk in darkness (get drunk, cuss, gossip,
lie, are sexually impure, etc.), we lie and do not practice
the truth (live out the truth from the Bible).

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light (live pure
lives being set apart in our beliefs with God's strength),
we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus
Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (we are forgiven).

If we say that we have no sin (don't think those things
mentioned above are wrong), we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us (we are not really Christians).

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive
us [our] sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar,
and His word is not in us (we don't live pure lives because
we just call ourselves Christians but the Holy Spirit is not
in us)."

**These are powerful words. It shows that there could be a lot
of people who call themselves Christians when they really
aren't. God is the Judge who knows each of our hearts, but
these verses show us that we can probably tell people apart
by the way they live.

Let us not deceive ourselves, but instead walk in the
light as Jesus is in the light! God forgives us but
we need to recognize our sin and confess it to Him.
Let your light shine in 2010!