I AM THAT WOMAN!!!

Today in church I looked down at my bulletin and I could not see a thing. It was blurry. I held the bulletin closer and still blurry. Then I held it out at arm's length...and it was clear. I almost chuckled out loud when it hit me...I am that woman. You know her. The one who has to hold everything at arm's length in order to see. The one who has to remove her glasses so she can read. The one who is always looking for her "readers". I wondered when the time would come that I would need others to hold my menu across the table so I could see it. Don't get me wrong. I am excited about shopping for cute reading glasses.

I need to embrace the changes that come our way as we age. It made me think of other things that have changed in my forties. I can't stay awake as long as I use to. I enjoy watching the news more. I think a little more about saving for retirement. Of course...other changes I won't mention except to say "I hate hot flashes in the summer."

I realize that with age also comes maturity. (hopefully) I know that I make better decisions than I did when I was younger. I think that I may be a little more patient with others. I know that I am not as spontaneous and make less hasty decisions. I know that I find myself seeing things in light of eternity and not in the "now." I know that I love the Lord more than I did.

Some things became clearer to me today...even my church bulletin.

NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE

I wrote today on facebook that I truly know how it feels to "praise Him in the storm." This experience with dad is not an experience that I would want anyone to go through...but I hope everyone is allowed to see God work like we have. As I type...I am in dad's room. He is sleeping so peacefully. He is off the ventilator and breathing smoothly. He is not fidgeting. He has great color to him. I can't believe he has come so far in 4 days. I will admit that there was a time when it did not look good for him. I am convinced that it is all because of prayer. Prayer is something that is hard to understand. I am not sure how it works...but that's okay...I just know it does and that's enough for me. It has taught me not to wait on the big crisis in life to pray. I know that God wants me to pray about everything. He even tells us to pray without ceasing.

I have such peace today. This makes me want to shout from the rooftops that "JESUS CHRIST IS LORD."

Yesterday as I was getting ready for church...I was listening to Chris Tomlin sing "How Great Is Our God." I just raised my hands in praise. I actually stood on my tip toes just wanting to get as close to heaven as I could. I actually wanted to touch the robe of Jesus. I know that there is no way you can reach heaven on earth...but I know that I am connected to the one who awaits me.

PRAISE HIM TODAY...ON YOUR TIPTOES

THIRTEEN ON YOUR THIRTEENTH

Today is Austin's birthday. It's hard to focus on a celebration when you have a loved one in ICU...but we are trying to make it a special day.

The girls are making Austin and a cake and we will shop for a gift later today. For now...here are thirteen things that I want to say to my son:

1- The most important relationship that you will ever have in your life is the one with the Lord. When that one is weak...so is everything else.

2- You look much cuter when your underwear is not visible from the top of your shorts or jeans

3- A good rule of thumb is that your hair should never be longer (or prettier) than your mother's

4- Save that first kiss

5- Always be a dreamer. Always know that you can do or be anything if God (not man) has called you to be

6- Just a reminder of that first kiss thing

7- I will never forget the night you were born. We were driving as fast as we could to the Air Force Academy hospital in the wee hours of the morning. Some airman tried to get us to stop and show our military i.d.'s. When he saw a women huffing and puffing in the car and pointing to her belly...he let us through with a military escort.

8- Your favorite yellow "ducky" is packed away in the basement if you ever need it

9- Did I mention something about your first kiss?

10 - You are loved more than you will ever know

11- Smile...a lot.

12- Slash is a great guitarist...but not a good role model.

13 - We love you and are very proud of you!!!!

BAD HAIR DAY

I am have blessed to be part of a Ladies Bible study this summer on contentment. I stuggle with this and needed to be reminded of how God sees us and how He truly is in control of everything and owns everything.

The one chapter that hit me the hardest was being content with who we are on the inside and outside. So...can you believe that I almost skipped the Bible study last night? Why? I didn't like the way my hair looked. Yep...I am that shallow.

Let me explain. It was a very busy day for me at home so I took a quick shower...brushed back my wet hair and put it in a headband. Now..we all know what happens when you put wet hair in a handband. The hair dries ...the headband is removed...and well you get the picture. There isn't enough gel or hairspray on earth that will fix that mess.

I rushed out the door to drop Alex off at his game and decided that I would fix this mess in the car. Headband went back on and off I went. Bad mistake.

I tried brushing it, gelling it, spraying it...nothing worked. I tried repeating the gel and the spray...now I was getting a headache. I even contemplated running to walgreens and buying a hat. Then I decided to do one more thing. I went into the bathroom at the baseball field and wet my hair. Second mistake..now I had wet hair that wouldn't dry because of all the gel and spray. I thought about asking my son if he really needed to wear his ball hat. Maybe I could borrow it for the night.

Then it hit me. I was about to skip a Bible study on contentment because I was not content with my hair. God humbled me...I shook off my discontentment...shook my hair and headed off to the study.

It was a great night. I am so glad I went. No one really cares what my hair looks like. Once we were together and in the word...I stopped caring what my hair looks like. How about you...what are you discontent with today? What's stopping you from giving it to God?

A MUST FOR EVERY WOMAN

If you know me well, you know that I have a passion for teaching young girls about modesty and purity. I have tried very hard to teach my own daughters the importance of modesty and to be "covered up". There are somethings that the world does not need to say...catch my drift.

When I went to visit Ashley recently she took me to a boutique. She said there was something in there that she knew I would love and would want to buy.

She was right. CHECK IT OUT:





Miss Oops Boob Tube.

It is a cute little "tube top like" cami.

If your neck line is too low...you just wear this under the shirt.

Great for layering which still seems to be in style.


I love the tag line on the package..."Boob Tube...they're show stoppers!"

Just think if every young girls decided to "stop the show".

Buy one at www.missoops.com

OH THOSE TEENAGERS!!

This morning my dog ran out the door to chase his little female friend that walks the same time every morning. As I ran out the door with no shoes I noticed that someone had t.p.'d our home. At first I was touched that someone took the time to show their love for us. I remembered my days of youth ministry and knew that you only t.p.'d the homes of the ones you love. Then suddenly my joy turned to anger when I saw egg, toilet paper, red candy, syrup, mulch and yes...my favorite..yellow sticky notes plastered everywhere.

So how do I know it was a teenager? I know because I had to ask my teen to explain some of the words that were written on my car. She had to explain to me their meaning. So here is my advice to the one who chose to deface our property. If you really wanted to offend the adults in the house....splurge and buy the larger bottle of syrup. We need for you to completely spell the words...no abbeviations. Also...next time...use larger letters. Thanks for the additional toilet paper. With the state of the economy all donations are appreciated. Also...we like our eggs scrambled...not in our tail pipes. Next time...please bring over a little more mulch. We were about to order a truck load and you could really help us save money.

If by chance we meet and you have to fulfill some kind of community service...I have a few ideas in mind. I think the two of us would have a great day serving together while you listen to me tell you every story about my childhood, my lectures on teenagers and most importantly....you will about the term grace. I will explain to you what it means and about the One who gives that to everyone...yes...even teens who are creative and energetic.

TO THE CORE OF MY BEING

The other day I was watching (not participating) a work out video on television. There was a word that the trainer kept using "core". She kept saying "strengthen your core" "tighten your core" "work on your core." What's with the core? I just want tighter legs and arms...as a matter of fact...what is my core? I learned the core is the center part of our body and really needs to be the strongest part of our body. It carries and supports everything. It made me wonder about the "core" of my spritual walk. First of all...what is it...how do I make it stronger? My spiritual core is my faith. If it's not strong...forget about the rest. It needs to support so many areas of my life. How do I exercise my spiritual core? That's what I am pondering now. I know the obvious ways are prayer, studying, fellowship, worship, etc. How strong is your core? Are you watching or participating?

The Necklace

A few years ago I wrote a children's book called "I AM BEAUTIFUL". It's about a little girl who only feels beautiful when she is wearing her princess costume. One day she is searching frantically for the costume so she can feel beautiful. Her mother sees the importance of this costume and explains to her little girl that she truly is a "princess" with or without the costume.

When I wrote the book I had a dream that a special necklace would come with the book. I envisioned that it would be round and pale pink. It would have a little silver crown in the middle. Not just any crown...but one that looked like a "fairy tale princess crown" with little round circles on top.

A few weeks ago I was at a conference and look what I found...and bought....




I spoke to a representative about the possibility of buying this special necklace for my book...I'll keep you posted.

GOD IS GOOD!!!

WHAT IF YOU KNEW?

Ask yourself this question..."What if you knew you would be with Jesus today? What if you knew tonight you would not be sleeping at home...but in a few hours you would be falling into the arms of Christ?

My best friend's mom will probably be in heaven by tonight. It's an eery thought for our human minds to comprehend. She has been sick for sometime and symptoms show that today could possibly be her last day on earth. As I type this...it almost seems unreal. She is ready. She knows the Lord and she knows that once she takes her last breath...her real life begins. To think that heaven is preparing to accept her possibly today is a little unsettling but also exciting.

What would I do if I knew today was my last day? I don't know if we can accurately answer that. We can speculate and guess...but what would we really do.

I guess we should always live like it's our last day. Say what needs to be said. Reach out to those who need help. Give like it's not our's to give and love like we aren't afraid of getting hurt.

Pray for the Horvath family and tonight when you go to bed...think of Helen...she'll be with Jesus.


****UPDATE

At 9:30 am this morning Helen went home to be with Jesus.

HE AMAZES ME!!!!

This has been a very challenging week in our household...but it ended on a postive note. We were able to go to Kalahari Resort this weekend and enjoy some downtime. Well almost downtime. I was at a confernce so Wally and the kids were able to enjoy the waterpark. Speaking Thru Me Ministries had a booth and I had the honor of representing this incredible ministry. Many women responded well to our mission and a lot of interest was created. Friday night I was feeling really tired and a little discouraged by things involving my week. A lady approached my booth and began talking about her desire to speak and write. She began to energize me as she shared how she felt like God was calling her to speak and share her story. I encouraged her to contact Leigh and offer to write devotions for a radio opportunity Leigh has been given. She gave me her name and it looked very familiar. Then it dawned on me...I had met her three years ago. I asked her if she had attended an event in Mentor three years ago. She looked at me and began to cry. She said "Yes...and you shared your testimony at this event." I looked at her and said "Cancer survivor...you had shared with me your story of surviving ovarian cancer." Then I began to cry. We both remembered how we had a lengthy conversation that evening and promised to get together after the event. We had exchanged phone numbers and we had both accidentally threw them away. She shared with me how recently God was prompting her again to write and speak but she didn't know where to begin. She prayed that God would allow her to run into the speaker that she had met three years ago (me) who had encouraged her to follow what God was calling her to do. She didn't remember my name or where I lived. He did just that. He had me drive over an hour and a half away and had her drive even further for our paths to cross. How cool is God. We both just felt sort of awestruck of what God had done. Don't you love it when you experience such a personal response from the creator of the universe? I do! I want more of those personal encounters. I want them daily. I want to truly be in sync with God! I am so glad that this lady is again in my life and I am SO GRATEFUL that God never loses my number.

FEELING DEFEATED

Today I was driving to church and I had a heavy heart. For those of you who know me well know that I am PASSIONATE about teaching young girls about modesty. For many reasons this is near and dear to my heart. I am saddened by the way our young girls feel that they need to dress. Ways that I feel also sadden the One who created them. I guess this always hits home when I see the many many prom pictures that are posted on social network sights. My heart goes out to not only the girls but to the guys. Guys who are trying to live a pure life but struggle with this when girls are scantly dressed. I have heard many girls say "that's their problem...they shouldn't be thinking those thoughts." I don't think girls truly understand the mind of a young man. For those who profess to be followers of God's Word He makes it very clear that we are "not to cause our brother to stumble." My heart was heavy today as I truly felt that satan is winning in this area. I don't like to lose and I don't like it when, as someone in ministry, feels defeated. Tears came down my face as I prayed for our young girls. I prayed that they would see the importance of living a modest and pure life.

If I could talk to each one of those girls here is what I would say:

1) God created you in a unique and wonderful way. Turn off the world and tune in to Him.

2) I would challenge them that if they are walking the walk...they need to dress the walk. What you wear on the outer self can sometimes detract or often represent the inner self.

3) If God has called you someday to be a wife then that means your husband is out there somewhere. Protect what is meant for him...not the eyes of others. As Dannah Gresh says "be a secretkeeper".

Today I was praying to God and asking him to "show up today in a large way." I asked that He affirm the call that He has placed on my life and reveal Himself to me.

I left church the same way I entered..defeated. Defeated by situations and people. The intent of this post is not to host a "pity party" but to just lay it out there and say...there is a battle. As scripture says..."the battle is not against flesh and blood..." I need to equip myself a little better for battle. I need to be in the Word more and on my knees more.

FINDING MY HERO

As I continue to recruit people to volunteer with children, the word hero keeps going through my mind. Kids needs a hero and that hero is Jesus. I want them to be some child's hero. The one that shares Christ with them.

It made me realize who my hero was. I was six years old and I believe her name was Marilyn. She was my VBS teacher and she told me about Jesus in terms that a six year old could understand. That day I gave my six year old heart to Jesus. She was the hero that lead me to Jesus.

I feel compelled to try and find her today and tell her thank you. I will blog about my journey as I try to track her down. Who was the hero that lead you to Christ? Have you told them thank you? Join me in this journey. Share with me as you find the one who introduced you to our greatest hero.

Gotta go...I have some investigating to do.

JUICEBOXES AND JESUS - DEVO#4

I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me. . . . My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:14,27).

It seems like a lifetime ago that my children were babies. One has moved out of the house, one is about to learn to drive, one is entering the "precious" teenage years and the baby of the bunch is no longer dependant on his parents as much. I remember when I would drop them off in the church nursery and walk away to the service. Sometimes as we were about to pick them up I could hear their cry even before I entered the room. I knew it was their cry and not the cries of the other infants. Why? I had heard it so many times that I was accustomed to their unique sound. My ear was trained to be able to identify their specific cry. Last week at church I was speaking to a mom and she told me that she needed to cut our conversation short because she could hear her baby crying. It amazed me since we were standing many many feet away from the nursery. She knew her child's cry.

Do you ever feel like you don't hear from God? Maybe He is speaking to you but you don't recognize His voice. Maybe His voice is being muffled by the world, by Satan or even your own voice. Learn to recognize God's voice. He knows your's.

Meet our new son

We have officially sponsored a compassion child. The newest member of our family is
Enqeri Noe Gaba Nenquemo. He lives in our heart and in Ecuador. Enqeri is 6 years old and I wish I could show you a picture. I just finished writing him a letter and telling him how much we love him and how we will be praying for him. It is so exciting to know that we are connected to a child who lives thousands of miles away. My prayer is that I get a chance to meet him next year when we hopefully visit Ecuador. If you have the resources to sponsor a child, do it today. Click on my compassion link and make a difference in the life of a child. I promise...you will be blessed.

VIRTUE VAN

There’s a fun game show on television called cash cab. A person enters a cab thinking they will be receiving a ride from point a to point b but are surprised when they realize they have an opportunity to earn money on the trip. The driver asks them questions as they drive and if answered correctly the cash value goes up and up. The other day I was driving my son and his friend home and we began talking about a popular singing artist. We talked about the lyrics of her song and whether or not it was appropriate. Let’s just say we had differing views. I listened to this young man as he justified why this song was “good” . He supported his opinion with the ways of the world. I was able to support by opinion with scripture. Our conversations lead to an opportunity for me to share some Biblical truths with this young man. We laughed that he had just taken a ride in the “Virtue Van” instead of the “cash cab”. It made me realize a few things. First, we need to take advantage of every opportunity to share the love of Christ with someone. Secondly, we need to always be prepared to share and support what we believe. Scripture tells us that we always need to be ready “to give an account.” Are you seizing every opportunity to share Christ? Are you being creative in finding ways to begin a spiritual conversation? I have a new appreciation for the many hours that I spend carpooling. Pray for me as I awake each day and start the engine to the “virtue van”.

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to share with others throughout our day. May we never become too busy to stop and proclaim who you are. Prepare each one of us to represent you in our every day lives.
Amen.

JUICEBOXES AND JESUS - DEVO #3

My job requires that I do alot of recruiting. I am accustomed to hearing many many reasons why someone cannot volunteer. The other day I spoke with a mom and I truly appreciated her response. She desired to serve and wanted to be protective of time with her family. That was so refreshing to hear. How could I argue with someone who has her priorties in order. This darling woman serves with boundaries. She realizes that God has called her to serve...but not to serve everywhere! We can all serve in some capacity...no one I believe is excused from service. In fact the Bible speaks of how the "son of God came to serve and not be served." She was not trying to be "Wonder Woman." We all have met her before. The women who can
"bring home the bacon and fry it up in the pan..."(you know how the rest of the song goes.) Are you trying to do it all and to have it all? Guess what? It can't be done!!!

As a wife, mother, friend, etc it is important to set boundaries. It is important to prioritize our lives and to always make Christ the center of all that we do. There are alot of great things out there but nothing is as important as our relationship with Him. I stopped trying to be Wonder Woman along time ago. It was exhausting and let's face it...the costume is not attractive.

THIS SAYS EVERYTHING

STMM and Compassion Partnership from Natalie Witcher on Vimeo.

MY GOD IS SO BIG!!!!

Do you remember singing that song as a child? My God is so big! I do...and last night...as an adult...I was reminded of that song. Last night our speaking team (Speaking Thru Me Ministries) had a conference call with Compassion International. We heard about how this wonderful organization began from the heart of one man. We learned how thousands and thousaands of children have been ministered to in the name of Jesus. Could it be that the creator of the universe would allow us to be part of this? It's hard to fathom that in some small way...we could help a child who lives across the world. A child who desires the things that we take for granted. A child who desires food, shoes for their feet and yes...Jesus. If that child were sitting here beside me now I could offer him or her a meal. I could personally give them a pair of shoes. I could offer them a warm bed. I can't be there in person...but I can still make a difference. I am so excited to begin speaking for compassion. I am so excited to begin sponsoring a child. Won't you join me?

MENTORING

For several years now, I have had someone in my life that I consider to be my mentor. For awhile we met on a formal basis and planned times to meet. For the last couple of years this has become more informal and very effective. She is one of the first calls I make when I need advice, counsel or prayer. I can always count on honest advice, scripturally based counsel and love.

Yesterday it dawned on me that maybe it was time to give back. I don't consider myself someone who is wise or someone who can quote the appropriate scripture when needed...but I do consider myself someone who is available, teachable and caring. I asked God if maybe it was time for me to "mentor" someone and if it was...to bring that someone to me.

Today...when I opened my daily devotion...this was the prayer that was attached to the devo:


Dear God, There are people in this world that I can learn so much from; people who have gone through hard things that have strengthened their faith, people who have been Christians for years and are so much more spiritually mature than I am. On the other hand, there are people in this world who can learn from me. Please show me if there is someone you would have me be a mentor to or someone who should be my mentor. And please, keep working on me so that I might be the witness in the world that you want me to be. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

BILLBOARD MOMENT!!!

Here I am Lord...

******UPDATE:

After I posted this blog about mentoring, someone looked at my blog from Rome, Italy. To that person...I want to say...where God leads I will follow. I would be open to an overseas mentoring opportunity. I love pasta, pizza and Italian shoes. In fact...I will apply for a passport today...all in the name of Serving (and pasta, pizza and shoes)

SPEAKING THRU ME MINISTRY

Last night I prayed with women whom I have never even seen. I prayed with women who I love dearly but have never even had a chance to hug. Last night I prayed in a conference call with the STMM speakers and prayer director. It was awesome. We went before the throne of the Lord and asked for His will to be done in this ministry. We asked that He find favor with each of us and to bless this ministry. We asked that He help us as we plan our first conference this year.

I had the privlege of praying for our partnership with Compassion International. We have been approved to represent Compassion at our events. We are excited to help many many children become sponsored which allows them a chance to hear about Jesus!!!

Today...Federal Express dropped off my official packet. It was so exciting to open the package. I can't wait to share with women this wonderful ministry. I can't wait to meet the woman who will sponsor the first child. Maybe it's you!!!