Melissa

We were on our way home from Women of Faith in Portland, Oregon, when it all happened...a moment that would change four hearts forever.

We had pulled over to get gas and use the ladies room, in The Dalles. We split back up into the two separate vehicles (I was driving my friend's Denali) and once again made our way back toward Interstate 84. As we came around a corner, there at the intersection of Cherry Heights Rd. and West 2nd Street, stood a young girl with a sign that read,

"Pregnant and hungry. Even 1.00 would help."

I see signs and "homeless" people like this all the time. I know that in our society, there are fakes and posers out there. I know that most of these people take any money they are given and buy alcohol or drugs with it. I know all of that....but this one was different for me. It made me feel like someone had stabbed me in the abdomen, and I felt physically sick.
Maybe it's because the sign said, "Pregnant and hungry"? Maybe because my job involves being with pregnant women, a lot? Maybe because none of my pregnant clients are ever hungry...well, for very long?

Whatever it was, I knew I had to stop...but I didn't. I had 3 other friends in the car with me, and no one was saying anything. As I followed the rest of our group in the other vehicle, we made a wrong turn and ended up going through the heart of The Dalles. I kept thinking, "Sheila, go back!" But I kept going.

As the entrance to the Interstate came into view, God spoke, "Sheila, go back!" So, I said to my very quiet passengers, "I can't let this one go. I have to go back to where that pregnant girl is!" They all replied, "Yes, we have to!!" I called the other group and told them our intentions, and made a U-turn in the road.

As we backtracked our mistaken route, my friends, without hesitation began digging into their purses for cash, and gathering any good food we had with us...Oranges, granola bars, Sun-chips, water....even a napkin.

As we made our way back to that intersection, I heard whispers of prayer in the seats behind me.

We parked up the road a little way, and then the four of us, clean and abundantly blessed women, walked toward this young girl, who was announcing with her sign, that she had a baby inside, and she was hungry.

As we walked up, she gave us a look of despair. I said to her that we had some things we wanted to give her, and individually began to hand her money. She choked up, and let her face fall. Then one of my friends said as she handed the bag of food to her, "We want to tell you that Jesus loves you." She shook her head in silence. I asked her if she knew Jesus, and she shook her head yes, again.

We began to talk to her and asking if she was alone in this world, to which she replied, that she wasn't. She said, "My husband comes around once in awhile, but I never know when he will be back."

She told us that she was a month and a half along. That is 6 weeks. Her baby already has a heartbeat, arms, legs, and nostrils. Her baby's birth should come sometime around next June.

I asked her if she would be willing to share her first name with us, so that we could pray for her, and she said, "Melissa".

Having asked her if I could pray with her right there, I laid my hand on her back, and prayed for God to come very near Melissa, and wrap His arms around her. I asked for protection and peace over her. I asked for God to bring people into her life, that could guide her and help her. I thanked God for letting us see Melissa. I asked Him to show her how much He loves her.

She thanked us, and we hugged her goodbye.

We walked silently back to our car, and drove towards I-84.

This wasn't about what will be done or bought with the money. This isn't about if she was faking it. This isn't about what society or Christians are doing right or wrong.

What this is about...

GOD! And I know that He told me to go back. I know that He told all four of us, that we needed to help. I know that we gave from our hearts. I know that those were the emptiest eyes I've ever seen--completely void of all hope. I know that her body is used and abused. And, I am confident that she has a baby inside.

I haven't been able to forget those eyes. I saw them in my sleep last night, and I did what I can do. I asked God to stay very close to her. I asked Him to be her Shepherd and come to her rescue.

And, I named her baby, "Dot"....another story.

Autumn's Favorite Things

Fall has arrived! I noticed this morning, as I was watering my plants in the front, that the leaves are falling off of our little maple tree, that stands beside the mailbox.
I was born in the Fall, so I've always reasoned that it was my favorite season, because of that simple fact. Being an Idaho Girl, I am blessed to live in a part of the country, where we have all four seasons, so I have reasons to love all the them. But Fall is still my favorite!
I think it goes along with my personality the most. My idea of a dream day, is to be in something comfortable, and then snuggle up with a cozy quilt, a captivating book, and a hot mug of chai tea or coffee! Does that sound like something you can do in the Summer?
I will soon crawl under the stairs and drag out my boxes of Fall Decor, then I will set about dressing my house up for the season. I will make a trip to Wissell's Fruit Market for a batch of pumpkins, then I will go to Williamson's Orchards and get apples.
Next week, after celebrating Nikki's birthday, I will make Apple Sauce and Apple Butter. (that is, if I get my Salsa canned first)
There is something about this season that beckons me savor the simple, and create a atmosphere of calm in my home. All it takes is lighting a cinnamon candle, and the kids smile when they walk in the door...feeling that coziness in the air!
Walking into a fruit market, driving by an apple orchard, opening the door to Heritage Reflections, and smelling those 'good-enough-to-eat' candles...or just taking a walk on a gorgeous fall evening...all of that triggers my love and desire to welcome Fall with open arms!!

This is not my home, but I would live here in a heartbeat!

Nothing like a Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Front Porch

Taking a day trip to see the beauty in the mountains, by Idaho City!

Baking Pumpkin Streusel Muffins!

This would be a fun place to sit, but I wonder what that can is really used for??? Hmm?

God made us all very unique and different, just like these gourds! Look at that bumpy one!!

Serenity!

Can you smell it?

Psalms 34:8....Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!


**some photos are taken from freefotos.com, and some are from my personal collection.

I Choose Joy!

This morning, in our bible study, Dr. Catherine Hart admonished us to combat the stresses of life by laughing a lot. I immediately thought of the Gaither Children's video, where George Younce sings, "The Laughing Song" ("Oh, hahahahahahahahah.....) and found myself singing it most of the day. I believe being able to truly laugh, comes from having a heart full of joy!

Life is tough. Life hurts. Life is not fair....that is just the way it goes. Barbara Johnson authored a book years ago entitled, "Pain Is Inevitable, Misery Is Optional...Stick A Geranium In Your Hat and Be Happy" I read the book, and the message has stuck with me since. Although life hurts, and pain comes unbeckoned, we can either choose to be miserable, or we can choose joy.

I choose JOY!

Webster gives joy, three definitions, and they are as follows:

1. the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires

2. a state of happiness or bliss

3. a source or cause of delight

In my life....

I deal with the stress of being a supportive wife to my wonderful husband. I deal with the stress of raising three children, in this crazy world. I deal with the stress of parents and grandparents who are fighting physical issues. I deal with the stress of loosing loved ones. I deal with the stress of meeting the needs of my family and friends. Cars break down, tires blow, keys get lost, toes get stubbed, or in my case, broken. I burn my arm on the stove, my kids get sunburned when Mom forgets to apply enough SPF 50, and the grass burns brown when we don't get enough water on it.

My heart breaks with hurt, misunderstandings and unforgiveness. I say things I regret, and don't say things I should. I fall....I get back up....I go on. It's life.

But also in my life...

I find a love letter from the man who chose me above all others, to be his wife. I hear the sweet words from a child of mine, saying, "Hey Mom, you are the best!" I sip my coffee from a mug that says, "Lord, You fill me with JOY in Your presence." I walk outside and hear the sounds of morning, and smell the freshness of growing tomato plants and heirloom roses. I open my Bible, and read God's words to me. I witness the first breath and cries of a newborn baby, and feel the closeness of God in that very moment. I spend precious time with friends, laughing and encouraging each other to keep going. I hear my children pray. I have a personal relationship with my Father God. I sing His Praise, I worship, I love, I delight....I laugh!

Ralph Waldo Emerson said,

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is success!"

In the end, I know that success is not measured in things or accomplishments, but in how we lived and loved, how we impacted the lives of others. I want to be remembered for loving well, and laughing a lot...not for being the most stressed out woman on the planet!

Empty Cups and Early Morning Prayers

Picture in your mind with me...

You awakened this morning in your warm, comfy bed; you stood up, stretched, and reached for an empty cup that sits on your nightstand. You walked out your bedroom door and into your day...with your empty cup. You walked downstairs and your husband is sitting at the kitchen table, eating his breakfast. You went to him and said, "Is there anything you can put into my cup?" He smiled at you, and said, "Good Morning, Sweetheart!" (and dropped a coin into your cup) You walked away, happy that your cup had something in it.

You got into the car with your kids, to take them to school, and asked, "Can you put anything into my cup today?" They smiled and said, "Bye Mom! Love you!" (and each dropped a coin into your cup)

You called a friend on the phone and in your neediness, you asked, "Can you add something to my cup today?" and your friend told you what a good mom you are, or how adorable your new haircut is. (and dropped her coin into your cup)

You opened the fridge and ask the food to fill your cup...or in my case this morning, I asked the coffee-pot.

The rest of the day went along much the same, and by the end of the day, there were a dozen or so coins rattling around in the bottom of your proverbial cup....but your cup is far from full, and you ended your day, unsatisfied and empty of soul. Tomorrow morning, you will start all over again, with the begging; hoping for a fuller cup.

Humans can't stand a feeling of emptiness...we will find one way or another to satisfy our souls."

In Luke 4:18, Luke states that "I have been sent to preach the good news to the poor..." This word "Poor" has the meaning, "Subsisting on the alms of others"

He was sent to tell those who are going around with empty cups, that the good news is, there is only One who can fill their cups to satisfaction!

"Until we find satisfaction in Christ, we will wear others out with our needs."

When I heard this, I thought of all the people in my life, whom I have drawn all my satisfaction from, and worn completely out! Poor people...God bless them for sticking it out with me...and for those who gave up, Bless them too, Lord!

I wake up every morning, with human needs. I need to feel loved. I need to feel significant and like I matter in this world. I need to know that what I do is noticed. I need, I need, I need....and much to often, I go around hoping that I will have those needs met by other humans...flawed and just as needy.

Psalms 90:14...Satisfy us in the morning, with Your unfailing love (love that is not given according to how I lived my last 24 hours), that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

Psalms 63:1...."Oh God, you are my God, early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You..."

This is what I pray will soon by my reality...

I wake up and before I even get out of bed, I pour out my heart to God. Emptying myself of foolish thoughts, bad attitudes, selfish needs---myself. Then ask him to redeemingly fill my empty cup with His unfailing love--so as I go about my day, my cup will be so full of Christ, that any affirmation my family and friends shower on me, becomes the overflow of a truly satisfied soul...a full cup!

"Yes, we are meant to AFFIRM one another, but we cannot FULFILL one another."

Did you just hear all the people who know me, breathe a sigh of relief?? I did.

All quotes are from Beth Moore's teaching on "A WOMAN'S PRAYER LIFE...THE SACRED ROMANCE"

Let The Camping Begin!

One of the best things about living in Idaho, is the opportunity to go camping in some of God's most gorgeous creation! We were invited to join friends for a Memorial Weekend Camping trip, to Stanley Lake, Idaho. I had never been there before, and was stunned at the beauty!

We arrived on Friday night, in a heavy snow/rain storm, but woke up Saturday to a beautiful, chilly, mountain morning. The air was fresh, the snow-covered peaks were showing their splendor, and the coffee and pancakes tasted better than ever!

While all seven boys and Nikki grabbed their guns, to go out into the forest to fight off enemies, the rest of us relaxed, played games, and enjoyed the time together. The men kept the fire going, while the girls played many rounds of Dutch Blitz. The next day, the Pa French, Pa Taylor and Pa Renfrow helped the warriors build a log-fort for a day-long game of Capture the Flag.

Evening found us sitting around the campfire singing funny songs about swimming pools and bears in Tuallome's, while we enjoyed S'mores.

We hope this is the first of several camping trips this Summer. Great memories!