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!!!

Juiceboxes and Jesus - Devo #2 - ALWAYS ROOM FOR ONE MORE

Who takes care of mom when she is sick? I remember one time while living in Colorado when I was really sick. I couldn't keep any food down and I had absolutely no energy. As a mom of three it was almost impossible to keep a clean house and take care of my infant son, toddler daughter and school age daughter. I finally gave in and went to the doctor knowing this was probably some sort of flu bug or virus. The doctor insisted that I have some blood work done so I agreed to speed up the process of the exam. Minutes later the doctor came in and gave me a hug. Yep..I thought to myself...I must be dying. Why else would she come in and give me a hug. "You are pregnant she said!" Congratulations! What...no...it's the flu. I told her I wanted a second opinion. She laughed and said "okay...my first opinion is that you are pregnant and my second opinion is that you will be a mom again in 8 months." I left her office not with an antibiotic...but with pre-natal vitamins. I was shocked. I mean... I had only planned to have 3 children. Four children seemed unrealistic to me. I got in my van to leave and suddenly turned around and began to count the seats in the van. One..two..three..four..five...and six. I guess we do have room for one more. Several weeks later I began to have symptoms of possibly miscarrying #4. I remember sitting in the hospital with a Air Force Colonel bedside offering me the option of ending this pregnancy now. My answer was NO! I told him as long as there is a heart beat...there is a baby. Seven months later a beautiful bouncing boy was born. God had a different plan then we did and yes...there was room for one more.

When I think back to this story I am reminded of how God loves each one of us and there is always room for one more in His kingdom. Scripture tells us that He will even "leave the 99...to go after the 1."

His love has no boundaries...His plan is perfect...He knows what's best."

As a mom who is older now and maybe a little wiser, I realize that His plans are best...not mine. His timing is perfect...not mine. He needs no second opinion.

JUST THE WAY I AM

Yesteday I had an opporunity to go to a wonderful fundraiser for Hattie Larlham. It included a wonderful lunch, fellowship with some great ladies and a fashion show. I love fashion and was excited to see what's in and what's out. I'm sure over half my wardrobe is out. The fashion show began and I found myself not paying attention to the clothes...but to the models. As each model came on stage my self-esteem began to get smaller and smaller. I watched each lady go by and I found myself feeling inadequate. Then I was reminded of who made me. God! Scripture reminds me that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made." Better yet...I am made in His image. Suddenly I began to enjoy the clothes again and truly needed to be reminded of what God sees. Yes...I do need to lose weight...but not for vanity...for health. It reminded me of what our young girls are going through. They are bombarded with images that they will never be able to live up to. That is why I am passionate about teaching young girls and women what true beauty is and where true beauty comes from.

I am passionate about SecretKeeper Girls. If you read this and know of a young girl that needs to hear this message invite them to this incredible event.

My fashion show incident also reminded me of that children's book that I wrote on this very topic. Next week I have challenged myself to do one thing that takes this book one step closer to being published.

Your prayers would be appreciated.

TODAY WAS A SUPERBOWL MOMENT

Okay...I am probably one of the few people who did not watch the super bowl last sunday. I truly know nothing about the game. My son played for the first time this year and I went to every game. I cheered when the crowd cheered so it seemed that I knew what I was doing. I know that many people cheered loudly when their team won on sunday and many cried when their team lost. People lost their voices from cheering. I can't relate...sorry...but I can relate to being on a winning team.

Today in our all church staff meeting I felt like I was on a winning team. Many ministries shared stories of how lives were changed at outreach events this past weekend. 18 teens gave their life to Christ...11 men checked that they wanted to know more about a personal relationship with Jesus. One little boy, who was muslim, asked about Jesus dying on the cross. That me friend is a win. That is better than any touchdown. I don't even know what it means to "sack the ball" but I know that seeing lives changed is better.

Watching football is fun for many people. That's great...but knowing and having a personal relationship and sharing that with others is better!!!

So team...let's get off the sidelines...get into the game...let's expand our winning team.

Rah!! Rah!!! (yes...I was a cheerleader...still didn't understand the game)

ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT WE ASK

I have truly seen the power of prayer recently.

Example 1
At the beginning of the week I needed to fill so many teacher openings at church that it seemed overwhelming. As the week progressed... I saw God fill each slot...except for one. Sunday morning at 7:30 am...still one opening...I prayed.
Sunday morning at 9:30 am...still one opening (class started at 10:00) Sunday morning at 9:45...still one opening...so I stepped in to teach. Sunday morning at 10:00 am...experienced teacher volunteers to step in...10:15 am another volunteer steps in to offer additional help. 10:16 am...I'm doing the happy dance. I prayed for 1 volunteer and He sends 2.

Example 2
I had women on our speaking team pray that I would receive an offer to speak. As of today...I have 2 offers.

He answered my prayer above and beyond what I asked.

TODAY I WINKED AT HEAVEN

Today would have been my grandmother's 89th birthday. Almost three years ago...I lost my hero. You can read more about it here.

We miss her terribly. We miss her laugh, her advice, her cookin', and so much more. She left a great legacy for us to live up to.

I know where she is today. I can't be there to help her blow out the candles or to open the cards she always loved receiving. All I can do is anticipate the day that I will see her again and send a wink up to heaven.

Miss ya Nee.

HAVE A LAUGH ON ME

It's the weekend!!!Time to relax, spend time with family and friends and yes...LAUGH!!!

HAVE A GOOD LAUGH TODAY!!!

JUICEBOXES AND JESUS - DEVO #1

I love to write and the Lord placed an idea on my heart. It's called "Juicebox and Jesus" - devos for young moms. So here is #1.


JUICEBOX AND JESUS

It's amazing how things have changed since my childen were small. The strollers are more stylish, the diaper bags look like designer purses and even the bottles are more sleek and stylish. But one thing stays the same...the juicebox. In every young mother's purse between her wallet and extra bib is a juicebox. It seems that every young preschooler can get an unquenchable thirst anyplace and anytime. To avoid a public tantrum and possible dehydration, moms are always prepared with the all important juicebox and miniature straw. It contains just the right amount to soothe their precious thirst. What quenches your thirst? Not your physical thirst...but your spiritual thirst? When Jesus encountered the woman at the well he promised her "living water." He promised her something (Him)that would quench her thirst forever. If I am truly thirsty...a little juicebox will not quench my adult thirst. It may provide temporary relief ...but I will be thirsty again. I want to experience what Jesus offered the Samaritan women...I don't want a small little portion of Him...I want all of Him. To receive that...I need to give Him all of me. So moms tomorrow when you are preparing for your day...don't forget your juicebox and your Jesus.

POWER OF WORDS

Today in staff meeting we talked about the power of our words. Words can build one up and words can tear one down. It is so important that we are always on the side of "building up." In this time of economic crisis...it is important to remember that a kind word costs nothing a compliment is free and a prayer for someone is priceless.

On a side note...I don't think I have laughed as hard as I did today while working. It was a great day of ministry and truly feeling blessed to be part of a team that loves the Lord and laughter.

ONE PROUD MOM

This weekend I was straightening my son's room. Yes...I know he is old enough to clean his room...but I like to do it myself sometimes.

I was so excited by what I saw. Beside his bed...beside his video games, trading cards and candy...was his Bible and quiet time papers. Yes...at the age of 10...he is having a regular quiet time. He was encouraged to do this by the wonderful teachers at our new church. They offer creative incentives to help the children make having a quiet time with the Lord a habit.

I could not wait to tell the teachers the next day and to encourage them to keep doing what they are doing. I was so thrilled when my son came to me and asked where his church papers were. I would clean his room every day..for the rest of his life...if he promises to keep spending time with the Lord.

Would you like for your child to develop this habit? If so...visit the elementary school program here...cleaning their room is optional.

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Unless you live under a rock or in a cave you cannot ignore all the excitement surrounding the inauguration. Last night I was watching the news and I kept hearing the words "hope" and "change". I heard the words "passion" and "excitement". I closed my eyes for a minute and visualized that they were describing Jesus and not Obama. I agree that it is time for a change, it is time for our country to feel hopeful, we need to follow a leader with passion and we need to feel excited about our future...but...this cannot come from a man...this has to come from God. We are the vessel that God uses to preach "hope" to demonstrate "passion" to provoke "change" and to have a contagious "excitement." He is God...He is the one that deserves our worship and our praise...He is the one that can truly heal our world.

My prayer for today is "God...work through your people. Let them see the things in this world that are temporal and remind us of what is eternal."

GOD SPOKE TO ME AT A BASKETBALL GAME

Today has been a great day. I am beginning to get caught up on household duties and had a chance to go and watch Alex play basketball. Sometimes this isn't always a pleasant experience. Why? Wally and another gentleman do a GREAT job coaching...but there seems to be a father who believes he needs to coach from the sidelines. We have all seen this type of parent. In fact one of the leagues actually sends home a contract that parents have to sign regarding this exact situation.

Every time I go to the game I am so distracted by him. He yells at his son, becomes obviously frustrated and really upsets me when he begins to yell at the other players. Sometimes it is negative and sometimes positive.

Today's game was no different. He began pacing the sidelines and I was thinking about a strategy on how to approach him. First I thought I would go up and quietly ask him not to coach my son. Secondly I thought I would use a positive approach and encourage him to sign up to be an official coach next year. Then I believe it was God who put the next thought in my mind...pray for him. What! I am angry with him....and you want me to pray for him. So I began to pray silently. I prayed that he knew this great man named Jesus. I prayed that he would be the husband and father that God wants him to be. I prayed that God would calm his heart and that he would begin to encourge the boys.

Things soon changed...he began to go up to the players on the bench and offer high fives and that-a-boys. My heart changed as well. I was no longer upset...I was encouraged. I am not even sure of what the score was...I just know that today was a big win in another way.

GO TEAM!!!!