What a neat site!

I appreciate a good website and a place where info can be easily shared (this is one of the things I really like about blogger.com). There is a new site that I highly recommend to anyone who is in a group (in my case it's bible study groups, but it could be any type of group) and wants an easy way to communicate and share with each other.

Here's what the site says:

Qlubb is a free, easy-to-use online group site. With online rsvp, sign-up sheets, custom URL, file/photo sharing, auto reminders and much more, Qlubb is the easiest way to organize and manage your group's events, activities and members. It's perfect for school classrooms, scout troops, sports teams, book clubs, hobbyists, religious groups, families, etc!

I set my site up for my Sunday school group and my Wednesday bible study group (I guess I could have set up different ones for each group...maybe later - we'll see if they sign up!). I'm thinking about setting one up for my Celebrate Recovery team, as well.

If you're in the market for an online gathering place where all members can be involved, this is the place to go! www.qlubb.com

You'll be wanting to thank me, I just know it. So, You Are Welcome!

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

What would your testimony be?

I'm not sure how big my cardboard piece would be - do you think I could carry a billboard?

Sinner, Unbeliever, Addicted/Grateful Believer of Jesus Christ

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

Secrets and Taboo Topics

I've just stumbled upon two great articles that seem to speak directly to me. (The links are below.)

You know, I share...a lot...and sometimes too much...but I guess I feel like that by being open and sharing, I'm helping someone with the same problem or issue that may not feel like she (or he) can talk about. I'm pretty sure there's a lot of this "kind of stuff" going on nowadays than in previous days. Look at some of the topics these ladies are ministering to: Pat Layton, Kay Arthur, Ruth Graham.

As I have somewhat shared in recent weeks, my marriage is struggling. Honestly, that's the best way I can say it. I don't know what is going to happen. One of the things my husband told me was that sometimes he doesn't want to be married. I had to laugh because how many times have you felt that way? Or looked at your kids and thought...ugh really? Do I have to keep them? I asked him, "Don't you realize how many people feel that way?" He said he didn't. There are certainly times I don't want to be married but I made a commitment to God and to him, and darnit I want to keep that commitment! (BTW, I thank all of you for the prayers and the words of encouragement you've provided along the way. I'm believing God and trusting Him to do what is best. Talk about crying out to Jesus...shew!)

So, without further babble from me, here are the links to the two different articles I have found really interesting today. I sent the one about men to my husband, because maybe he doesn't realize that other men think the same way he does about things. The other article is pretty self-explanatory so there's no need to delve into that. (God has given me a sense of discretion, which at times I use.) If it's something you want to talk about, by all means, please email me! I'd love to talk to someone who has had (or has) the same experience. (These are both articles from Redbook, which I don't think I've ever really looked at. )

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

More prayer - but for Mama Siesta (Beth Moore) :-)

When I participated in a Beth Moore's Breaking Free bible study, one of the things I learned (and haven't put into practice like I should) was to replace the poisonous arrows of satan's negativity and my own negative self talk with promises from God's word. I pulled out my notecards yesterday and have been reciting them and every other promise that pops up from His word for the last 2 days. I don't remember ever being in a spiritual battle such as this, but it makes sense...we've started a new prayer study at church and I prayed that God use me in anyway to bring Him glory and to let His light shine through me. (God doesn't give us a spirit of fear, but prayers like that do sort of make me quake in my boots.) I also seem to have a slight problem of putting people up on pedestals where they certainly don't belong. They will only disappoint me. I think I gotta dual issues happening.

So, anyway, I appreciate the prayers, love and support I've received from all of you. And, if you want to continue the prayers, love and support for me, I'm all for it. BUT, my Mama Siesta is about to start filming the updated Breaking Free series and she is asking for prayer warriors! If you feel so inclined, please go over and sign up!

I wrote last week or so what Beth Moore's ministry has meant in my life and how it has helped propel me in a relationship with God like never before, so it my honor and pleasure to link to her website in hopes that others will sign up and pray!

Mama Beth - I love you and pray for you in your ministry work. I know the battles I face and I can't even begin to imagine the ones you do. Thank you for showing us the way and battling those forces so we may know Him!




For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

Oh the places my mind can (and will) go...

(This picture has nothing to do with the post - I just wanted to share a cute picture of my dog!)

I have all these deep thoughts running through my mind and I'm trying to decide what to do with them. Oh, they aren't like the once obsessive (a/k/a beating a dead horse) thoughts, but thoughts that are sort of swirling around. The part of "what to do with them" is really more of a "should I put these thoughts on this blog for others to see?".

I've come to realize that I need some real life friends. It's not like I don't have any friends, but I don't really seem to have anyone I can truly share myself with. There are things I need (and want) to discuss and with my current group of friends, it's just not happening, nor is it going to. I don't know if we all have on our "church masks" and just want everyone to think everything is GREAT or if we're just afraid to really open up to each other, possibly for fear of what the other might really think of us. (Well, see, I don't really have this problem. My problem is sometimes sharing too much with people, although with Mama Siesta's help, I've been learning some discretion....you know...) But, I'm having things go on in my life and I just need to have someone I can talk to!!

I do have a husband and he's a wonderful man, but sometimes I feel the need to talk about things happening in our lives with someone other than him. You know that feeling? Where you want to talk to your spouse about things, but it only seems to make things worse rather than better? I mean, he told me a few months ago that he's been upset with me over a year (probably longer) and he didn't tell me because he didn't want to upset me. Now, that's just frustrating...

My situation (of having difficulty finding Christian friends with whom I can share intimate details of my life) sort of reminds me what I imagine people face when they are trying to decide if they want to participate in the Celebrate Recovery ministry at our church. Folks just don't want to admit they have habits, hurts and hangups. We're all just happy plastic people, acting life nothing is ever wrong. Folks don't want to be one of "those" people. Well I'm not one of those plastic people. I know I have issues galore and there is only One who can help me with them.

This morning, while I'm standing on the stage, singing (sorta) with the worship choir, I found out that one of our church members died. It was all I could do to hold it together while I was up there. I felt like I was sucker punched! Fred was a very integral part of our Celebrate Recovery ministry and he was our CR Leader's boyfriend. We just had a CR leader's meeting last weekend, where I sat with Fred and joked with him. When prayer time came, I was able to ask what happened. Fred, 50, died of a massive heart attack while he was waxing his car. (When I told my husband, he said "guess I won't wax my car then" ha ha :.) I reconcile myself knowing that he is at Home now. I also know he had a great testimony for the Lord and he used that testimony to help bring others to Christ and to battle their addictions.

*shaking head* It's been quite a day. This morning Pastor Paul was talking about sometimes things appear to get worse before they get better, but to the Lord, He does His best work in us when we are broken. Can I get an Amen?? He's loves us broken folks!

I guess I just need some pick me up today. I need to be still and listen to what my Father has to say to me. Give it all to Him and then listen to what He has to say. He's really got the best advice ;). Thanks for sticking around and reading this rambly ramble! (Maybe I should look down at that passage of scripture below...)

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

Surrendering the Secret

I hope I'm linking this correctly. If you have any trouble with a link, please let me know. ~Cathy


A Giveaway That Keeps on Giving
Do you know that one in every three women has had an abortion? In fact, 43% of women of child-bearing age have this secret. And I don't use the term "secret" lightly. While there is certainly a multitude of unbelieving women out there that tote this secret sadness in their hearts, there are as many BELIEVING women - FORGIVEN, SAVED WOMEN in YOUR CHURCH - who are walking around unhealed. Why? Because they are paralyzed by shame and fear at the thought of surrendering their secret.

You may remember my mentioning Pat Layton, my friend, and the founder of A Woman's Place Ministries in Tampa, Florida. With first-hand experience, she intimately understands the fear and heartache that surrounds women, post-abortion. After she was saved, she looked for material to help her and others heal, but there was none. So, she and God wrote a study that was used for 20 years at her crisis pregnancy center. This year, Surrendering the Secret was released in DVD form by Lifeway, in response to the thousands of hurting women that flooded the altar for prayer in this area, after each of their large events.

While I, personally, have never experienced this heartbreak, I know a LOT of women who have. I bet you do, too. The effects are so far-reaching. As you can imagine, with this situation often being shrouded in secret, even if a woman knows about this study and longs for healing, she's not likely to buy it herself. This is why our churches - EVERY ONE OF THEM - need to have a copy. This is where our giveaway comes in - a chance to win one for YOUR CHURCH!

God has recently impressed upon me that we, the blog community, can partner with Lifeway and Pat, to make a BIG DIFFERENCE in this area of secret pain. Just as He multiplied the five loaves to feed thousands (Mark 6:41-44), I'm believing that He will do the same with this giveaway of the Surrendering the Secret study. So, here it is:
Five (5) Winners
One (1) DVD Leader Kit (including DVD study, leader guide and one member book) PER WINNER
Twelve (12) Member Books PER WINNER
Click HERE to watch the promo video of the study.

Giveaway will run through Sunday, October 12th - WINNERS ANNOUNCED MONDAY, OCTOBER 13TH (per random.org)
Because it is my heart that the word get out to as many churches and people as possible, I'm going to give you two chances to win:
Leave a comment
Link the giveaway in a post on your own blog, then leave a SECOND comment, including the link to your post. This is NOT about blog promotion, but about spreading the word of healing!Other ways to get involved:
Tell your church about the study and work toward getting a copy purchased for their use, if you don't win.

Encourage your pastor to discuss abortion from the pulpit and include it in the sins mentioned from the pulpit that are forgiven through Christ. There are MANY women who walk away from a sermon feeling like their sin is unforgivable, simply because it's never mentioned.
Invite Pat to come and speak to your women's group and/or leadership about ministering to women in crisis, or to train your leaders to present this study.
Consider donating financially.
Join me in thanking God in advance for what He will do! Praise Him that He will multiply this small mustard seed of faith into a great movement of healing across our nation.
THERE IS HOPE AND FREEDOM IN SURRENDERING THE SECRET.
You can make a difference for someone else who is hurting - maybe even for yourself.
In His marvelous love,

(From Melinda's blog - Please visit her blog to enter!)




For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

Fireproof

I went and saw the movie yesterday. I loved it! (I took the video off b/c it was driving me crazy - always starting.)

ANYWAY, I hope you have plans to go see this movie, for several reasons in no particular order. One - Mike Sever is all grown up - need I say more??? The music is awesome! The storyline is so powerful - can I hear praises for our Father in Heaven?? Oh what a godly movie these men have written. I wanted to throw myself down in the theater and praise Him (I didn't b/c ewwww who knows what's been on that floor). I love knowing that this "little Christian movie" is making a huge splash in Hollywood and the country. Last I checked, it was #4! Praise Him peeps! Praise Him!

This is definitely a keeper movie - I'm looking forward to it hitting the shelves.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

For some reason, I found this hilarious!

In my morning blog time, I came across this post that just cracked me up. The more I think about it, the more amused I get!

http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/2008/09/395-christian-version-of-guitar-hero.html

I hope that link shows up (for the 2 readers I might have :P)!



For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11