tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45196052373253375512024-03-13T06:54:26.371-07:00Moms Living the Magnificent Life......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-65567523888815763682010-04-27T12:36:00.000-07:002010-04-27T13:07:23.330-07:00"To Life"Perhaps it is because I miss my Grand-ma (and she is the one that introduced me to the writings of Rachel Remen), or perhaps it is because the connections are so profound, nevertheless this week I found myself flipping through the pages of my dog-eared copy of <span style="font-style: italic;">My Grandfather's Blessings-Stories of Strength, Refuge and Belonging</span>. You know that moment when you find something you just knew you needed? Well, I had one of those moments when I read this story. I even read it to my twelve year old daughter and she did what I always do when I read Remen's stories, she said immediately "Can we read another?" So we did. I hope this blesses you as much as it did Grace and I!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"L'Chiam!"</span> by Rachel Remen</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Many years ago my grandfather gave me a silver wine goblet so small that it holds no more than a thimbleful of wine. Exquisitely engraved into its bowl is a bow with long ribbon streamers. It was made in Russia long ago. He gave it to me during one of the many afternoons when we sat together at the kitchen table in my parents' home memorizing phrases from his old books and discussing the nature of life. I was quite young then, no more than five or six, and when I became restless, he would revive my attention by bringing out the sacramental Concord grape wine he kept in the back of the refrigerator. He would fill my little beribboned wineglass with Manischevitz and then put a splash of wine into his own, a big silver ceremonial cup, generations old. Then we would offer a toast together. At the time, the only other celebration I knew was singing "Happy Birthday" and blowing out the candles. I loved this even better.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My grandfather had taught me the toast we used. It was a single Hebrew word, </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">L'Chiam</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">(pronounced le CHI yeem), which he told me meant "To life!" He always said it with great enthusiasm. "Is it to a happy life, Grandpa?" I had asked him once. He had shaken his head no. "It is just 'To life!' Neshume-le," he told me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">At first, this did not make a lot of sense to me, and I struggled to understand his meaning. "Is it like a prayer?" I asked uncertainly.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Ah no, Neshume-ly," he told me. "We pray for the things we don't have. We already have life."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"But then why do we say this before we drink the wine?" He smiled at me fondly. "Grandpa!" I said, suddenly suspicious. "Did you make it up?" He chuckled and assured me that he had not. For thousands of years all over the world people have said this same word to each other before drinking wine together. It was a Jewish tradition.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I puzzled about this last for some time. "Is it written in the Bible, Grandpa?" I asked at last. "No, Neshume-ly," he said, "it is written in people's hearts." Seeing the confusion on my face, he told me that </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">L'Chiam!</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> meant that no matter what difficulty life brings, no matter how hard or painful or unfair life is, life is holy and worthy of celebration. "Even the wine is sweet to remind us that life is a blessing."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It has been almost fifty-five years since I last heard my grandfather's voice, but I remember the joy with which he toasted Life and the twinkle in his eye as he said </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">L'Chiam!</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> It has always seemed remarkable to me that such a toast could be offered for generations by a people for whom life has not been easy. But perhaps it can only be said by such people, and only those who have lost and suffered can truly understand its power.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">L'Chiam!</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> is a way of living life. As I've grown older, it seems less and less about celebrating life and more about the wisdom of choosing life. In the many years that I have been counseling people with cancer, I have seen people choose life again and again, despite loss and pain and difficulty. The same immutable joy I saw in my grandfather's eyes is there in them all.</span>......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-20889200231071817862010-02-18T09:48:00.000-08:002010-02-18T10:07:37.713-08:00Grandma Dot's Parenting AdviceMy Grandma Dot was a beautiful lady inside and out. She loved the Lord and she loved her family and now, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's, she is in the presence of both.<br /><br />As I've sorted through the sentimental photos and papers that she hung onto through the years I found several copies of a single poem. Each copy with tattered edges, I imagine from being read over and over again. As one that was loved and taught by this wonderful woman I can attest to the fact that she did not just read these words but put them into practice. I hope we can all do the same not only for our children but for our grand-children...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to confide.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/S32Ai2pDmbI/AAAAAAAAALY/Nk7o_lNjdts/s1600-h/IMG_0429.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/S32Ai2pDmbI/AAAAAAAAALY/Nk7o_lNjdts/s400/IMG_0429.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439645261205051826" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/S32Awk145OI/AAAAAAAAALg/c1GScKOSSFI/s1600-h/scan0030.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/S32Awk145OI/AAAAAAAAALg/c1GScKOSSFI/s400/scan0030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439645496945206498" border="0" /></a><br />Thank you Grandma for all the love and wisdom, I promise to ask the Lord to help me apply your wise counsel.<br /><br />Blessings to you all this week,<br />Tracy Klehn......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-33353560507208272852010-01-05T08:25:00.000-08:002010-01-05T08:38:54.013-08:00New Year New TalkHappy New Year Ladies! I hope this new decade has gotten off to a "Magnificent" start for you and your family! <br /><br />Have you made any New Years Resolutions? Do any of them have anything to do with taking the time to really enjoy life instead of simply survive life? Focusing a little more on your spiritual growth? Setting aside time to get "poured into" so you have something to "pour out" to your family? <br /><br />Well I might have just the thing for you. <span style="font-weight: bold;">This Thursday, January 7th, 2010 at 7pm</span> I will be debuting a brand new talk that I hope will help <span style="font-weight: bold;">"steady you" in the "storms of life."</span> If you are in the Los Angeles area this week won't you consider joining me? <br /><br />The event is called <span style="font-weight: bold;">"31" </span>and it is a women's event (<span style="font-weight: bold;">hosted at NorthPark Community Church</span>) that is open to the public. There will be music, fun, a teaching time and of course chocolate. Grab a few girlfriends and let's continue getting the year off to a "Magnificent" start!!!<br /><br />For more details and directions <a href="http://www.northpark.com/">click here </a><br /><br />Blessings,<br />Tracy Klehn......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-19892503299581858992009-12-01T16:26:00.000-08:002009-12-01T16:39:37.862-08:00Treasure Boxes to Open All Year Long (They'll Save You Money)I just found out about a pretty amazing ministry that I believe has the capability of helping a lot of people not only make it through these challenging financial times but continue to be good stewards of the family budget AND provide an inexpensive way to lend a hand to others in need. It is called <span style="font-weight: bold;">"The Treasure Box."</span> Here is a description from their website...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"The Treasure Box provides families and individuals with a substantial box of grocery store quality food retailing between $65-100 for just $30 each...Each Treasure Box contains between 21-25 pounds of high quality, frozen foods, including chicken, pork, beef, or seafood, as well as vegetables, fruit, a side dish and a dessert. One Treasure Box is enough food to nutritiously feed a family of four lunch and dinner for almost a week or a senior citizen for nearly a month."</span><br /><br />Our church just signed up to be a host site and that even might be something that you could look into for your church or charity organization. We found it to be a very low commitment of time and energy but with potentially huge impact. It basically required our church to open up our parking lot to The Treasure Box truck for two hours once a month so that people could show up to pick up their pre-paid box of food.<br /><br />Our family not only signed up to get a box once a month to help with our grocery bill but we are considering ways we might be able to give the gift of The Treasure Box to friends and family that might be going through some tough times. <br /><br />If you sign up before Saturday you can receive the December box. Here is a great link that will show a brief video with more information about the program and what the actual food in the box looks like. I hope you find it as helpful and hopeful as we have. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: 18pt; font-family: 'Georgia','serif';"><a title="http://www.thetreasurebox.org/video.php" href="http://www.thetreasurebox.org/video.php">http://www.thetreasurebox.org/video.php</a><o:p></o:p></span><br /><br />Blessings to you,<br />Tracy Klehn......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-17552404063464878052009-11-26T07:23:00.000-08:002009-11-26T07:29:16.003-08:00Your First Christmas Blessing<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Sunshine let it be, or frost,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Storm or calm, as Thou shalt choose;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Though Thine every gift were lost</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Thee Thyself we cannot lose.</span><br />-Mary Elizabeth Coleridge (1861-1907)<br /><br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever</span>."<br />Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV<br /><br />God Bless you all and may this be the beginning of your "Most Magnificent" Christmas season ever! May you and yours always live in an awareness of what truly "belongs" to you...the gift that can never be taken away and may that awareness spill over to those around you that they might soon possess that which you do as well.<br /><br />Love Your Sister in Christ,<br />Tracy Klehn<br /></div>......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-56609730570652540912009-11-20T12:59:00.000-08:002009-11-20T13:15:00.293-08:00Thanksgiving Dinner Idea<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"Crazy, jumps and screams a LOT, and is a good cook"</span><br /><br />This was my twelve year old daughters' answer to the conversation starter card that said "describe your mother in one sentence." I'd say she pretty much has me pegged wouldn't you (for those of you who have spent any time with me)?<br /><br />With pending "Dinner Conversations" just around the corner (Thanksgiving) I thought it might be fun for you and your kids to sit down and brainstorm some fun conversation starter questions for your Holiday Dinners. You can even let the kids print them up on the computer or write them in crayon on file cards and let them decide how best to present them at Thanksgiving dinner...a basket, a box, a little bag...<br /><br />It might just be a new tradition in the making and a way to get people talking, laughing and feeling even more thankful for the love that surrounds them.<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving from your crazy, jumping and screaming girlfriend,<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Tracy Klehn</span>......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-65767344057510127552009-11-09T18:18:00.000-08:002009-11-09T18:26:45.361-08:00New Bible Study by one of my Favorite Autors (Jennifer Kennedy Dean)<div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Hi Ladies,<br /><br />Here is a new Bible Study from an author I really enjoy. I hope you enjoy the interview and the excerpt from her new study.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Tracy Klehn<br /><img alt="" src="http://e2ma.net/userdata/14449/images/e1251817148.gif" width="155" border="0" height="200" /> </div> <div> <p style="margin: 0px;" align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 8pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;">New Hope</span><span style="font-size: 8pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"> Publishers</span></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0px;" align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 7pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;">ISBN:</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span style="font-size: 8pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;">10-1596692634</span></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0px;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 8pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>ISBN: 13-978-1596692633</strong></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 8pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Release Date: 9/1/09</strong></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 8pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Retail: $14.99</strong></span></p></div><br /><div align="center"><img alt="" src="http://e2ma.net/userdata/14449/images/e1251817468.gif" width="101" border="0" height="125" /> </div> <div> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;">Jennifer Kennedy Dean is Executive director of The Praying Life Foundation and a respected author and speaker. She is the author of numerous books, studies, and magazine articles specializing in prayer and spiritual formation. Her book <em>Heart’s Cry</em> has been named National Day of Prayer’s signature book. You’ll find articles and daily quotes from Jennifer at the National Day of Prayer website. Her book, <em>Live a Praying Life, </em>has been called a flagship work on prayer. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;">Jennifer was widowed in 2005 after 26 years of marriage to Wayne Dean, her partner both in life and ministry. They are the parents of three grown sons. Jennifer makes her home in Marion, KY.</span></p></div><br /> <div> <p style="margin: 0px;" align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;">An Interview with Jennifer Kennedy Dean</span></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#006633;"><strong>You are known for your extensive research and your fresh insights. Do you have a method for gleaning new concepts?</strong></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><em>Of course, the truths are not new, but I think I sometimes am able to frame old truths in new ways. I always find that when I put the words of Jesus into their original Hebraic setting and experience the scene through the viewpoint of His real-time audience, some new little fragment of truth finds its way into my thinking. I like to let the Scripture breathe. To let it sit in my heart until its full aroma has time to emerge. There's the hard-core research, and then there's the marinating. Turn your imagination loose and unfurl your curiosity, and listen to the living Word.</em></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#006633;"><strong>You have a series of Bible studies in the format of <em>Set Apart</em>, designed to be interactive. This series of studies has video series and leader's kits available. What is the advantage to this kind of format?</strong></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><em><span style="font-family:tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;">I try to produce a new Bible study with video series every year. I like the interactive format because I like to pull the reader into the Scripture to experience the Word. I like to challenge the reader to interact with the thoughts and ideas and to take the time to absorb them and apply them, rather than just to read. The other thing I like about this format is that it can be done by an individual, or as a group. In the video series, I like to be able to teach the main points of the material and set the learners' up for a productive week of personal study. I love feeling like I get to be part of your Bible study group! The kits have lots of other resources for<span> </span>leading a small group in the study.</span></em></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#006633;"><strong>Several of your studies have theme songs that go with them, as <em>Set Apart</em> does. How do these songs come about?</strong></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><em>I have developed a song-writing relationship with a talented musician named Roxanne Lingle. I write poems, we turn them into lyrics, Roxanne composes and arranges the music, and Roxanne records the songs. For </em>Set Apart,<em> we have the theme song in the form of a music video, which is a new addition. In the leader's kit you have the audio track, accompaniment track, lead sheet, and the music video. The theme song becomes an important and worshipful part of the study experience.</em></span></p></div><p style="margin: 0px;" align="left"><span style="font-size: medium; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: impact,chicago;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px;" align="left"><span style="font-size: medium; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: impact,chicago;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About the Book:</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;" align="left"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Arial Bold';">(Marion, Kentucky) - In a world of self-love and materialism it's reassuring to know that God's Word has a better plan for living. Renowned author and speaker, Jennifer Kennedy Dean, provides insight to the life of Christ, specifically the Sermon on the Mount, in her new book, <em>Set Apart: A 6 Week Study of the Beatitudes</em>. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Arial Bold';">Through careful study of the Hebrew traditions of biblical times, Dean leads participants into a deeper awareness of this early ministry sermon series by Christ. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Arial Bold';">Jennifer guides readers to a heightened understanding of each beatitude, correlating the Ten Commandments with the Sermon on the Mount to tie these Old and New Testament principles together. Dean shares how living the <em>Set Apart</em> Life is an exciting and life-changing spiritual journey. Participants surrendered to Christ will see a total transformation: outward actions of holiness as well as inward attitudes of joy. Believers following along in this workbook will experience the life God intends. This blessedness comes from seeking and knowing God. Anything outside the realm of Jesus Christ results in emptiness--the ultimate opposite of blessing.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Arial Bold';">Each chapter includes interactive questions for readers to answer, emphasizing God's desire to reproduce the character and attitudes of Jesus in each Christian's life. Along with the Bible study book, there is a Leader Kit that includes six DVD sessions and a CD with bonus material for small-group leaders. Jennifer's website, <a title="http://e2ma.net/go/2501633537/2280104/86080587/14449/goto:http://www.prayinglife.org/" href="http://e2ma.net/go/2501633537/2280104/86080587/14449/goto:http://www.prayinglife.org/" rel="www.prayinglife.org"><span title="http://e2ma.net/go/2501633537/2280104/86080587/14449/goto:http://www.prayinglife.org/" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">www.prayinglife.org</span></a>, provides opportunities for previewing the <em>Set Apart</em> materials and extra resources for pastors and leaders.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Arial Bold';"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Arial Bold';"><p style="margin: 0px;"> If you'd like to see Jennifer teach an excerpt of the book click on the link below...</p><p style="margin: 0px;"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><a title="http://e2ma.net/go/2501633537/2280104/86080590/14449/goto:http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=7a2a32c15229df5a5359" href="http://e2ma.net/go/2501633537/2280104/86080590/14449/goto:http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=7a2a32c15229df5a5359" rel="http://www.tangle.com/view_vid">http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=7a2a32c15229df5a5359</a></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><br /><br /><p style="margin: 0px;"><strong>Adapted from <em>Set Apart</em> by Jennifer Kennedy Dean</strong></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;">"I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:9-10).</p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;">My weakness is my greatest asset in the Kingdom. My weakness is where God meets me. My weakness is where Christ's power is most clearly displayed in me. Only when I am confronted with my own helplessness can I experience the power of Christ in me.</p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;">"Your helplessness is your best prayer. It calls from your heart to the heart of God with greater effect than all your uttered pleas. He hears it from the very moment that you are seized with helplessness, and He becomes actively engaged at once in hearing and answering the prayer of your helplessness." (O. Hallesby, <em>Prayer</em>)</p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;">I recently had the tiniest glimpse of how powerfully helplessness speaks. A few years ago, I lost my husband to brain cancer. During the final months of his illness, he became utterly helpless. The man I had leaned on for 26 years, whose strength I counted on, was now dependent upon me for his every need. During those weeks, my ear was tuned to his every sigh, his every restless movement, every change in his breathing pattern. If I had to be out of his room for even a few minutes, I had a monitor with me so I could hear him if he needed me. When he was strong, I was not so attentive. His needs did not fill my waking moments, when he could meet them himself. His helplessness spoke louder than any word he might have spoken. Because of his helplessness--because I knew he could do nothing on his own--I was on watch day and night.</p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;">My experience is but a pale shadow of the reality of the Kingdom, but still it helps me understand how my weakness is the opening for His strength. The fact of my helplessness is the only prayer I need. It speaks louder than eloquence.</p> <p style="margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;">Let your helplessness and your weakness be the offering you bring to Him. He is not waiting for you to be strong. He is waiting for you to recognize that you are weak.</p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p></span><p style="margin: 0px;" align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: large; color: rgb(0, 102, 51); font-family: impact,chicago;">GRAND PRIZE DRAWING</span></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0px;" align="center"> </p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 51); font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Please leave a comment to be entered in a drawing to win the following items from Jennifer. If you are a leader (small groups, book club, Bible Study, Women's Ministry), please note that you are--you will automatically be entered in the contest. If you are a member of one of these groups at your church or community, mention that you are a group member.</span></strong></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 51); font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 51); font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">You will be entered to win:</span></strong></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 51); font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">A <em>Set Apart</em> Leader's Kit (video and leader resources and a student book) retail $79.99</span></strong></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 51); font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">A copy of <em>Fueled by Faith</em> (retail $19.99)</span></strong></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 51); font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Jennifer will have a live web event just for your group</span></strong></span></p>......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-6034406321046860292009-09-14T14:33:00.001-07:002009-09-14T14:42:07.655-07:00An Amazing "No Guilt" Prayer for MomsI found this prayer/poem several years ago in the book <span style="font-style: italic;">When I'm on My Knees</span> by Anita Corrine Donihue. The author of the actual poem is listed as "unknown" which I think is classic because there are so many moms out there that feel that their work and worship is going on "unnoticed" and they are "unknown" but the truth in God's Word says that "He is the God who sees." Let this prayer encourage you...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lord of all pots and pans and things</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">since I've no time to be</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A saint by doing lovely things,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">or watching late with Thee,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Or dreaming in the dawnlight,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">or storming heaven's gates,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Make me a saint by getting meals,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and washing up the plates.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Although I must have Martha's hand,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I have a Mary mind;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And when I black the boots and shoes,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thy sandals, Lord, I find,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I think of how they trod the earth,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">each time I scrub the floor;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Accept this meditation, Lord,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I haven't time for more.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Warm all the kitchen with Thy love,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and light it with Thy peace,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Forgive me all my worrying,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and make all grumbling cease.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thou who didst love to give me food,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">in room or by sea,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Accept this service that I do-</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I do it unto Thee.</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Blessings this week as you serve your family and worship your Lord,<br />Tracy Klehn<br /></div><br /></div>......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-72826783096679285152009-09-08T12:00:00.001-07:002009-09-08T12:17:01.275-07:00Ping Pong ConversationsLabor Day Weekend marks the anniversary of the first time I met my husband. He hosted a barbecue and invited my roommate and she brought me along. That weekend I played my very first game of ping pong and it just so happened to be with a tall, handsome man with a great smile and big brown eyes. About twenty minutes into our "match" I announced with shock and enthusiasm <span style="font-weight: bold;">"I didn't know I was </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">so</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> good at this game!!!"</span> For indeed I was making contact with <span style="font-style: italic;">every</span> swing of the paddle. It was probably about a year later that Russ confessed <span style="font-weight: bold;">"I knew that if I got the ball right to your paddle that you would keep talking to me and that our conversation wouldn't have to end." </span><br /><br />Okay...how sweet is that? He didn't want to stop talking to me!<br /><br />How awesome is it to know that you have a Savior who never wants your conversation to end? How terrific is it that Jesus doesn't need you to "hit the ball right to his paddle" in order to keep talking to Him? That all day, every day the One who knows you best and loves you most is ready and available to talk and listen to every concern of your heart. <br /><br />Why don't you take a minute right now to share a moment of sweet conversation with your Savior? <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">"<span style="font-style: italic;">pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children.</span>" <br />Lamentations 2:19<br /></div>......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-55795102305425453942009-08-30T12:58:00.000-07:002009-08-30T13:08:48.606-07:00I Think I'm In Love...Help With Meal PlanningIf you are a mom and your kids have gone back to school, you may just be doing what I am doing right now...trying to figure out what to have for dinner this week so that you can make your grocery list. <br /><br />I was recently told about a website that can help with this process. In fact, the gals that operate the website make it as easy as possible by scouring the stores for the items that are on sale and then formulating a menu plan. They also include recipes (that are EASY) with their menu plan AND they tell you what groceries you'll need for the week to make the recipes. They do all of this work and charge a VERY minimal amount per week to do so ($1.25). This service called, E-mealz may just be an answer to prayer. Check it out and let me know what you think and how it goes...I'm going to start it with you okay??? <br /><br /><a href="http://www.e-mealz.com">Here is the link to www.e-mealz.com</a>......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-52295174204738214432009-07-21T10:28:00.000-07:002009-07-21T10:47:20.426-07:00Summer CruisingIt's been too long and for this I am so sorry. I hope your summer is getting along "Magnificently." <br /><br />I expected to be writing you this week about our family's amazing time cruising the Holy Lands but two days before we were to embark on our adventure we received news that our cruise had been canceled due to a fire aboard the ship. Our cruising plans were abruptly changed and we were abruptly disappointed and I could not bring myself to put my hands on the keyboard. It was grace alone that I remembered that what I could do with my hands and heart was to lift them to the Lord in prayer and by grace God reminded me that "His ways are not my ways" (Isaiah 55:8) and that He is "close to the brokenhearted" (Psalm 34:18) and that when it comes to "cruising" the best place to be is "Cruising as close to Him as possible."<br /><br />Is your heart broken this summer? Have plans in your life changed abruptly? Can I encourage you to pour out your heart to the One who loves you most? Let him comfort you and guide you as you "cruise" through this life.<br /><br />Here is a photo of a different kind of cruising we did as a family that definitely would not have happened had we been on a ship in the Mediterranean.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SmX-GpMpeuI/AAAAAAAAAKw/tlphMhfwYy8/s1600-h/Bass+2009+576.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SmX-GpMpeuI/AAAAAAAAAKw/tlphMhfwYy8/s400/Bass+2009+576.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360970321546017506" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Blessings and "Ahoy Matey"!<br />Tracy Klehn......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-60695236070053985452009-06-11T06:16:00.000-07:002009-06-11T06:38:25.538-07:00Interview with Thelma Wells<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SjEHWOnQ9XI/AAAAAAAAAKY/J0cZfUGPxzU/s1600-h/dontgivein_cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SjEHWOnQ9XI/AAAAAAAAAKY/J0cZfUGPxzU/s400/dontgivein_cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346062311126791538" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SjEHNe6-u0I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/njWNsIWl5WY/s1600-h/mamat-whiteshirt.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 345px; height: 273px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SjEHNe6-u0I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/njWNsIWl5WY/s400/mamat-whiteshirt.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346062160885627714" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SjEICgR_ryI/AAAAAAAAAKo/KUNavmdn17k/s1600-h/TWells_armorthelmastyle.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SjEICgR_ryI/AAAAAAAAAKo/KUNavmdn17k/s400/TWells_armorthelmastyle.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346063071783661346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">I was first introduced to Thelma Wells over a decade ago as a speaker at the Women of Faith conference. I loved her! She was spunky, enthusiastic, inspiring, hilarious and wise.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">After listening to her speak year after year, I approached Thelma to see if she'd be willing to take a look at my first book as a potential endorser and she generously agreed (to my delight and shock!!!).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">For this reason and many more I am thrilled to post the following interview with Thelma. I hope you enjoy her and are inspired by her as much as I have been...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Blessings,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Tracy Klehn</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I’m delighted to be here today to visit with you and your readers, and share about a topic that is dear to my heart.</span><br /><br />Thelma, you have had a successful banking and corporate career. You’ve spoken all over the country and around the world, done a lot of radio interviews, had your own television show, and written a lot of books. Many of our readers will be familiar with you from the Women of Faith conferences. It seems you’ve “done it all.” So when you left Women of Faith in February 2008, what was it that you were leaving them to do?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Actually, I really did not fully understand what I was going to do. I was simply following the very clear instructions of God that it was time to go. I had a few speaking engagements on my calendar but certainly not enough to make ends meet. My total dependence was on God and waiting to see what He had in store for me.</span><br /><br />Your new book, Don’t Give In…God Wants YOU to Win!, is based on a real life experience. Will you tell us a little of that story?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I was in elementary school when one of my friends told people she was going to beat me up. I could not understand why but it was real. After school for two days I faced a crowd hungry to see a fight and a girl who I thought was my friend hit me and frighten me to tears. One the second day of my fighting ordeal my great grandmother who raised me gave me some strong advice, “Thelma, the only way to deal with a bully is to fight them. You better fight her tomorrow and beat her up. If not, you’re going to get a whipping when you get home. That was the determining factor. My Granny who had taught me that ladies don’t fight had just reversed the instruction to “fight the bully.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I did fight her the third day and hit her hard, so she ran home, not me. I learned that when we are faced with the bully, the adversary, the enemy of our souls, the devil himself, the only way to win is to fight him with all the ammunition we have, the Whole Armor of God.</span><br /><br />This book is about spiritual warfare, demons, the Holy Spirit, and some pretty heavy-duty areas. Why write on this topic?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In this day and age when all around us seems to failing like our economic system, the government, relationships, health, self-worth, business and workplace situations, the church, wayward children, divorce and so much more, it is imperative that people have something sturdy and reliable to hold on to. Everyday we are fighting some kind of battle small, great or tremendous. When we don’t know how to fight against the disappoint, heartache, confusion, depression, and all the emotional and spiritual fall out from these issues, we become desperate, violent, vicious and vile. John 10:10 tells us that the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy us. But, Jesus has come to give us life and that life more abundantly than the feelings of no hope. This book teaches about the only hope we have and how to use that hope physically, emotionally and spiritually with a guarantee that we are winners when we do.</span><br /><br />Will you share with us the chapter titles?<br />Introduction: Time for Questions<br />Chapter One: Know How to Fight, but Never Start One<br />Chapter Two: Fight or Flight?<br />Chapter Three: Breakdown for a Blessing<br />Chapter Four: Weeds in the Garden<br />Chapter Five: Thelma’s Untold Rituals<br />Chapter Six: The Dynamic Duo<br />Chapter Seven: The Battle Is Not Yours<br />Chapter Eight: Winning Weapons<br />Chapter Nine: Fix Your Hair!<br />Chapter Ten: Pad Your Bra!<br />Chapter Eleven: Tighten Your Girdle!<br />Chapter Twelve: Put On Your Stomping Shoes!<br />Something Extra: More Winning Weapons<br /><br />You’ve been known as the BEE lady, but it seems you’re evolving into more than that? Where do you see your ministry heading in the future?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">God has so many surprises for me that my heart is overflowing. I have a teaching and preaching anointing that has made my ministry one of integrity and worth. God is doing great things in my life and reinventing some vital things that will be seen by everybody in a few weeks. He has guaranteed me that the international travel I’ve done over the past thirty years, the seeds I’ve sown over my lifetime, the barriers and tough times I’ve overcome are about to pay off in many different ways. He has put Christian people in my life that have and are changing the course of my life in great and wonderful ways. I will be taking a group to Israel next November, on other Ready to Win tours throughout the world, working with World Vision in their child sponsorship program, presenting mini Ready To Win Conferences throughout the world, and whatever else the Lord assigns me to do.</span><br /><br />Congratulations on your first Ready to Win Conference. We heard you had an awesome weekend in Garland, TX with a great group of speakers, musical artists, and attendees. Having done so many conferences in the past, why do another conference?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is not just another conference. This Ready To Win Conference does not just excite people or create positive thinking, it gives everyone, saved and unsaved, the winning weapons to fight off all the wicked in this world. People are not only encouraged to win the war against the evil one, they are given easy to understand tools that they have reported are so vivid in their minds that they can apply every day in every situation. Coming together in a group and learning these tried and true skills is so much easier to understand than writing it in a book or seeing it on DVD. The reports have been that this works because they were able to see it, hear it, feel it, and use it instantly and forever. In today’s world, another conference is not what we are about. We are about people joining together from different denominations, ethnicities, geographic locations, languages, and thought systems and getting insight and instruction that can bring people of all walks of life together to become a mighty army against the forces of evil.</span><br /><br />As a follow up, how can people get the Ready to Win Conference to their area?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">People all over the world can contact me at contactus@thelmawells.com and we will get back with them with the details of how the Ready To Win Conference can come to their area.</span><br /><br />In your book, Don’t Give In…God Wants YOU to Win!, you talk about doing rituals as it relates to fighting the good fight of faith. Will you explain that word to us and give us an example?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The word ritual is used on to denote the routines we have in our daily lives like fixing our hair, dressing ourselves, and being prepared for the day. It means nothing more than that and nothing mysterious that would attract any evil forces.</span><br /><br />Spiritual warfare and putting on the armor of God is a daily activity for you. Is this because you’re a nationally known Christian speaker and author, or is this something that everyone should be aware of?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Spiritual warfare is the state of our lives whatever and whoever you are. We fight against anger, gluttony, smoking, frustration, and everything else that can make us less than our best. The warfare that we are in daily is because we live in a fallen world where Satan thinks he has power. Each and everyday he tries to confuse us into thinking that things are unfixable, out of control, etc. He is the greatest liar of all times and he lays tricks in our minds, if we let him. From the moment we were born until the day we die we will be fighting spiritual warfare. However, the good news is…people who have accepted Jesus as their Savior never have to fight alone. The end of the story is that Jesus and His people win and the devil is a number one loser!</span><br /><br />Thelma, this book was released at a perfect time. So many people are struggling just to survive. They’ve lost jobs, money, health, marriages, and more. Many just want to give up! What can we do if we are in those situations to prepare for victory in the battle of life?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When you’re in a battle these are the things that must be done in order to win:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">• Put on the helmet of salvation to cover your thought life.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">• Put on the breastplate of righteousness to guard your heart against devil and sin.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">• Put on the girdle of Truth so that you will be able to understand what real truth is and be able to use the Sword of the Spirit (The Word of God – the Bible) in every situation as Jesus did when He was tempted by the devil in the mountain.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">• Put on the shoes that have prepared you with the preparation of peace so you can march and stay fit as you tell other people about the goodness and the gospel of Jesus Christ.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">• Hold up the shield of faith believing that God will keep every Promise He made for our good.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">• Pray for each other and for ourselves by asking God for what we need, seeking His perfect will in all we do and knocking continually until we know God has answered our prayers. We must realize that God does not answer all our prayers the way we want Him to but whatever way He answers them, they are for our good and for His glory.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">• Praise God with thanksgiving for all He has done and will do for us. The worship of God brings us into an atmosphere of being able to fight the good fight of faith and WIN.</span><br /><br />Where/how does “submitting to God and the devil will flee from you” fit into spiritual warfare?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">God asks us to do a simple thing, trust Him enough to give Him all of us. That’s hard to do when you try to control your life yourself. It really amounts to us (you and me) worshipping ourselves instead of worshipping God. When we live in humble submission to God, Satan will try to attack but God is our Protector. This is not a one-time submission to God. Everyday and sometimes during the day we must ask Him to lead us not into temptation and to protect us from evil because evil is always near. We are told to pray without ceasing. This means that we must stay in the attitude of prayer 24/7. It’s simple but it presents a challenge for us because we are so distracted by our day, our desires, our dreams, our relationships, etc. that we often forget that none of this would be possible were it not for the Lord who grants it. Submission means to let God be the driving force and the guiding force in our lives and trust Him that He will do exceedingly abundantly over and above what we can ask or think according to His power that works in us. The most peaceful, contented condition of my life is when I actually and earnestly turned my entire life over to the direction of God. I can now recognize when Satan tries to tempt me, confuse me, and drive me into doing or saying things I should not. It has come about with trust in God and practice of His word. Satan will attack but God will counter-act.</span><br /><br />Most of us are familiar with the list of spiritual weapons available for us to use as listed in Ephesians 6. You have a way to remember these that might be more relevant to today’s woman – as a mom, wife, business woman, etc. Will you share these five things with us that you do daily when you’re getting “dressed” in the morning? (SEE CARTOON OF THELMA AT BEGINNING OF POST)<br /><br />Thelma, it seems you are all over the Internet these days. Anyone can find you on your web site, Facebook, Twitter, web casts, a blog tour, the You Go Girl Network, and other cutting edge things with technology. Why is it important for you to use all these various methods to spread your message?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Technology is the way God planned for us to get His message to the world according to Matthew 28:19.</span><br /><br />How did you get the name, Mama T?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A young lady in my church named me that because she thought that was a fitting name for me and it has become a loving name for the ladies in my mentoring groups.</span><br /><br />So what’s next for the Mama T and Ready to Win?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">My website (ThelmaWells.com) is being reinvented to a teaching tool for people to learn more and more about how to win the battles of life. There will be powerful tools available, I will be personally speaking with people and many other changes that will enlighten, encourage, inform, influence and empower people to fight the good fight and win.</span><br /><br />Where can our readers buy your new book and register for the webcast?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">On my web site, which is ThelmaWells.com. They can click on the July RTW On-line Web cast button to learn more or register for the next series of web casts that start on July 7. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">My new book, Don’t Give In – God Wants YOU To Win! is also available online and at local bookstores such as, Family Christian Stores, Lifeway Christian Stores, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble Book Stores, Mardel’s, Anchor Distributors, Christianbook.com, and many other stores and vendors throughout American and the United Kingdom.</span><br /><br />Is there anything that we didn’t ask that you’d like to share with us?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In all we’ve said, we need to remember that Jesus loves YOU and has a plan for your life. This plan includes you living a life free from worry and anxiety. God is in control of everything. When we trust in Him, give Him our lives to guide, seek the will of the Father, ask Jesus to be the Lord and Master of our lives, and accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are winners and nobody or nothing can take that away from us!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you, darling, for having me today on your blog. I hope you and your readers will visit my web site at ThelmaWells.com. And remember always be READY TO WIN!</span>......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-11325466561424257832009-06-03T08:18:00.000-07:002009-06-03T08:35:30.212-07:00Three Cheers for Mothers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SiaXemW08bI/AAAAAAAAAJw/QtIg1qEJz4s/s1600-h/klehn_2009Feb27_0062.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SiaXemW08bI/AAAAAAAAAJw/QtIg1qEJz4s/s400/klehn_2009Feb27_0062.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343124559869833650" /></a><br />Last night I attended my daughter's cheer banquet. As I sat and listened to the coaches take the time to talk thoughtfully and beautifully about each one of the girls on the team it struck me once again what an awesome provider God is...how He gives us other trustworthy women to help "mother" our daughters. It reminded me of how far God has brought me from my early fears that I wrote about in <span style="font-style:italic;">Growing Friendships</span>...<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">When I got pregnant I became aware of the many fears that I had about being a mother to a little girl. I became aware of the areas I lacked and the things I didn’t know how to do. Things like French braiding hair or talking to a teen-ager (I didn’t know what to do with myself in my teen years and nobody else seemed to know either so how on earth was I going to know how to talk to my own teen?). As my pregnancy progressed, the Lord eased my fears by showing me that He had surrounded me with a circle of friends; women that loved Christ, loved me and loved my daughter, women that each possess gifts that they generously shared through friendship with me and my family. I didn’t need to know how to French braid because Grace could go see “Auntie” Heather for that. If Grace didn’t want to talk to me about certain things as a teen I could direct her to her “Auntie” Andrea or her “Auntie” Sue. Christ also reminded me of the all important fact that if I were the “perfect” mother what indeed would my daughter need a Savior for?<br /><br />In Captivating, author Stasi Eldredge invites women to ponder the following question, “God wanted to reveal something about himself, so he gave us Eve. When you are with a woman, ask yourself, what is she telling me about God? It will open up wonders for you.” <br /><br />Embracing your circle of friends, or as I put it in this chapter “Wearing your crown,” has everything to do with acknowledging that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” that your friend is too, and that together you make the world around you even more bright and more beautiful; together you crown the world with a more complete vision of who God is and of what His love looks like. <br /><br />Wearing the crown is saying that you don’t need to be perfect and good at everything. It is saying that you need people in your life. It is allowing yourself to be inspired by the women that surround you. It is acknowledging that you are gifted in this way, and that this other gift is not yours, but your sisters. This is not complacency (as some would think), but permission to be freed from your own expectations. <span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>(<span style="font-style:italic;">Growing Friendships</span>, page 124-125, Bethany House)<br /><br />Who are the women God has placed in your life to help you "mother" your children? Take a minute to say a prayer of gratitude for these lovely "Sisters in Christ." If you feel lonely in your mothering and have a desire to have women come alongside you in this way, can I encourage you to pray about that? Ask the Lord to open your eyes to see the women He would like you to initiate with, open up to, live life with. We weren't meant to travel this road alone.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Tracy Klehn......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-85401351015298852062009-05-28T18:11:00.000-07:002009-05-28T18:47:43.465-07:00A Dying Woman's Thoughts...An Hour Well SpentToday I was confronted once again with the brevity of life here on earth as I sat next to a dear friend who was reeling from the news that he lost both his parents in one day. I do not think it a coincidence that earlier in this week I was sent a link to a video clip of a young wife and mother of two who, though diagnosed with terminal cancer and just a few short weeks to live, chose to speak to a group of women about her priorities.<br /><br />To say <span style="font-weight:bold;">Rachel Barkey's</span> message is touching does not begin to communicate the impact I am CERTAIN it will make upon your life. In fact I know for a fact that I will watch it again (and again). While <span style="font-weight:bold;">"Death is Not Dying"</span> will take an hour out of your day, I believe it will be the best hour you will spend. <br /><br /><a href="http://deathisnotdying.com/eventvideo/">Click here to view Rachel's message.</a><br /><br /><br /><br />I'd love to hear your thoughts after viewing the video...please post them in the "comment" section of the blog...<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Tracy Klehn......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-75900566392032481312009-05-20T09:34:00.000-07:002009-05-20T10:18:47.742-07:00Write AwayI started writing in my Bible over a decade ago when speaker/author Becky Tirabassi encouraged me to take time on a daily basis to underline the verses in God's Word (The Bible) that "pop out at me." Since then I have not only highlighted verses I have marked significant dates in the margins, I have also written down short prayers on those sacred pages, and signed names of family and friends next to verses that I was claiming on their behalf. <br /><br />I've seen numerous benefits come from this act of writing in the Bible and I'm going to briefly highlight three of those today...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. A Reminder of What God Has Done<br /></span><br />In 1 Chronicles 16:12 it reads "<span style="font-style:italic;">Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, O descendants of Israel his servant, O sons of Jacob, his chosen ones</span>." <br /><br />I don't know about you but I am pretty darn forgetful, even of the amazing wonders God has done in my life...miracles that I prayed for that He answered. Noting the ways that God has answered a prayer by writing the date and the answer to prayer next to a corresponding verse is an excellent way to "remember." Just think, every time you open the Bible and read that particular page you can offer up yet another prayer of praise and thanksgiving for that answer to prayer and as you do so you will be reminded that the God you serve is FAITHFUL and certainly hears the concerns of you heart each day.<br /><br />If I turn to Psalm 126 I see written in red ink "<span style="font-style:italic;">Scott and Gabi's verse, she got this verse from God at the beginning of the summer before the transplant. She told Scott 'this is our theme for our summer, and when we look back on this time this is what we'll say'.</span>" These words refer to my friend Scott who suffered from Cystic Fibrosis for almost forty years before being completely cured by a double lung transplant. A miracle? Indeed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. An Opportunity for God to Speak Again<br /></span><br />Writing in your Bible offers you the opportunity for God to speak to you again and again. Sometimes when I'm at church and the Pastor is preaching I'll write what I feel the Spirit is speaking to my heart that day right next to the passage. When I open the Bible at another time and see those words, not only am I reminded of what He spoke to me that day, it offers Him an opportunity to speak again, either expanding on that same theme or showing me how he's changed me or the circumstances since the initial inscription.<br /><br />As I mentioned in the introduction, I often write down significant dates in my Bible next to corresponding passages. This simple exercise had an amazing impact on me this very week. I received an email reminding me that it was the anniversary of a dear friends passing and inviting me to join a group of friends to go to her graveside. Unfortunately, by the time I read the email my friends were already en route to the cemetery and I was still in my pajamas. I sat down and began journaling and praying about my sweet friend and all that had happened since she died. As I opened my Bible I "happened" to turn to Psalm 62 and saw that I had written my friends name at the top of that page along with the date and time that she died. I had also underlined and circled the following verses next to her name "<span style="font-style:italic;">Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge</span>."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. A Legacy for the Next Generation</span><br /><br />Writing your thoughts, prayers and significant dates in your Bible is a gift, a legacy for generations to come. Take a minute to think about something with me...imagine you have passed on and are now living eternally with Jesus. You are no longer with your loved ones here on earth but your Bible remains. Imagine how your children, grand-children, nieces, nephews, friends will feel as they gaze upon their names in your Bible. As they read about all the ways God faithfully answered your prayers. As they see date after date of that which was significant to you. Imagine how the simple act of taking pen to THE page has the potential to bolster the faith of the next generation!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">WRITE AWAY Ladies, WRITE AWAY!</span><br /><br />Blessings,<br />Tracy Klehn<br /><br />P.S. Winner of "Face of Faith" book giveaway is Andrea...Yay!!!......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-69237325362609039112009-05-12T06:40:00.000-07:002009-05-12T17:08:57.865-07:00Face of Faith Book Giveaway!Hello Readers!<br />Today I am pleased to introduce you to Candi Wood Lindley, a woman with an amazing faith story. I pray you are inspired by her interview. If you'd like a chance to win a copy of her book please "comment" via the blog and leave me your email address and I will post the winner next week. Have a "Magnificent" week!<br />Blessings,<br />Tracy Klehn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SgoPSFUXnbI/AAAAAAAAAJo/wcaK_EHTkHk/s1600-h/faceoffaith.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SgoPSFUXnbI/AAAAAAAAAJo/wcaK_EHTkHk/s400/faceoffaith.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335093511913446834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Candy, you have written Face of Faith. What is it about?</span><br /><br />When I was thirty years old, I was hospitalized for the removal of a pea-sized cyst in the nasal cavity. Instead, I was diagnosed with an inoperable malignant tumor the size of a baseball situated underneath the brain in the center of the head in an inoperable area of the head. Grade-three bone cancer is not receptive to chemotherapy or radiation. They told me that I could lose the right side of my face.<br /><br />I had always thought that I was a Christian, but I had never really surrendered my life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In the hospital room that night I was finally at the end of Candy - emotionally, mentally, and physically. I ask God to totally take over my life.<br /><br />My circumstances didn’t change, but God began to change my heart to one seeking His will only for my life whatever that might be.<br /><br />Two weeks later I met with a craniofacial surgeon at the Mayo Clinic. He was very upfront about my surgery and my prognosis. No sugar coating.<br /><br />He explained that he would cut across the top of the head and down the middle of the face enabling him to peel back both sides of the face and remove the greater portion of my face including the forehead bone, the right cheekbone, and the nose. He could hopefully remove the bulk of the tumor, buying me some time. He would not replace the bones to the face. I would wake up severely deformed and blind in the right eye, probably the left.<br /><br />Miraculously, he instead attempted to remove the tumor in its entirety, and it worked. Even more miraculously, he took the bones to the face that had been thrown in the trash and reconstructed my face. I had a new face. And was cancer free.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What goes through someone’s mind when they are told they have an inoperable tumor in the center of the head and could lose the right side of their face? You were thirty years old. That’s pretty overwhelming.</span><br /><br />For me, the will to live took over. That stubborn will to fight no matter what the odds.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">There were complications after that first surgery. What did that involve?<br /></span><br />Seven months after the first surgery, infection spread throughout the forehead bone and forehead skin. I was put in isolation. Five weeks later and four more surgeries, I returned home weighing 79 pounds with a shaved head, sunken in forehead, and two skin graphs on the front and back of the head.<br /><br />Two years later on a routine check up trip to the Mayo Clinic, the tumor recurred. Same place. This time the size of a raspberry. So they did the whole first surgery again<br /><br />During those three years of nine surgeries and frequent trips to the Mayo Clinic, did you ever ask God “Why me?” Were you ever angry with God?<br /><br />I never asked God “Why me?” I did ask what was going on? I didn’t understand. I asked why He was allowing so much in my life, but not so much why it was happening to ME. Yes, I was angry with God often. Thankfully someone informed me that God could handle my anger.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How do you address the importance that society has put on beauty?</span><br /><br />There is nothing wrong with wanting to look the best that you can look. I personally have always enjoyed experimenting with makeup and getting professional makeovers, especially now that I am facially disfigured. I want to make the most of what I have. But at the end of the day for me, the make up comes off and the hairpieces come off. If my confidence depended on beauty, I could be devastated. And many facially disfigured people are.<br /><br />In a world obsessed with perfection of the outer appearance and makeovers of every kind, God is more interested in a different kind of makeover – one that lasts – a makeover of the heart.<br /><br />That’s what happened with me. He began a makeover of my heart. And He’s still working on me!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How did your husband handle the stress of your illness and the new Candy?<br /></span><br />Unfortunately ours was not a happy marriage before I was ever sick. It was an emotionally abusive household. After twenty-four years of marriage, Lee filed for divorce.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Candy, you have experienced emotional pain and physical pain. Which is more difficult? </span><br /><br />Physical pain is difficult– especially chronic pain. It is wearing and can affect a person emotionally as well. But there are medications for pain.<br /><br />But the emotional pain of abuse is sometimes more difficult, I think. You can’t take a pill for it. It requires a lot of time and counseling. Only the Lord can heal the broken heart and enable us to forgive.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Where can we find out more about you and this book?<br /></span><br />Please visit my web site at faceoffaithbook.com. Thank you......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-3510795783017526522009-05-09T10:59:00.000-07:002009-05-09T11:05:55.832-07:00Happy Mother's Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SgXEodSdhVI/AAAAAAAAAJg/6u2tvKtw--o/s1600-h/IMG_0439.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SgXEodSdhVI/AAAAAAAAAJg/6u2tvKtw--o/s400/IMG_0439.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333885533026092370" /></a><br /><br />Mothers,<br /><br />You are doing something of GREAT worth<br />You are preparing the next generation<br /><br />Your kisses, hugs, and words of encouragement<br />Your discipline, instruction and listening ear<br />Your cleaning, cooking and shopping<br />Your stories, songs and reminiscings<br />Your provision, protection and perseverance<br />Your laughter, tears and prayers<br />Are pouring into your children which they in turn will pour into their children.<br /><br />Mothers,<br /><br />You are doing something of GREAT worth every single morning that you wake up and MOTHER.<br /><br />THANK YOU and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY from your friend,<br />Tracy Klehn......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-83300486303904108782009-05-05T11:37:00.000-07:002009-05-05T12:03:25.858-07:00Ways to Pray for the U.S.A. this Thursday (National Day of Prayer)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SgCLgP758cI/AAAAAAAAAJY/dbKTL6KcpBM/s1600-h/chad+flag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SgCLgP758cI/AAAAAAAAAJY/dbKTL6KcpBM/s400/chad+flag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332415344956535234" /></a><br />One night at dinner (my son was five and my daughter was almost four) my husband asked our kids if they knew who the President of the United States was. My son immediately shouted out with confidence "GEORGE WASHINGTON!" My daughter smiled and said "New York!"<br /><br />I'm sure if he asked you the same question you would get the answer right but what if he asked you if you knew when the National Day of Prayer was? Don't worry if you don't know, I'm not only going to let you know it is always the first Thursday in May (which happens to be in just a couple of days) but I'm also going to give you a few "ways to pray for the U.S.A." on that day. These are taken right out of my book <span style="font-style:italic;">"Prayer Starters for Busy Moms"</span> in the chapter that contains over thirty different prayer starters for our Country. I hope you find one or two ideas that work well for you and/or your family. I always find it exciting to think that so many are calling on the Name of the Lord on the same day! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"Flag a Prayer"</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Ask your children to be on the lookout for the "stars and stripes." When they point out an American flag, agree in prayer for our troops. Pray that the soldiers would be protected, that their eyes would be open to danger, and that they would seek the Lord during this time of combat.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"Pledge Allegiance"</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">As you stand and recite these familiar words, pray that your nation would always be "one nation under God." Teach your children to pray for a spirit of unity to grow among the citizens of this country and for many to become worshipers of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"Committed"</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Pray for revival in the heart of this nation. Pray that your children would be a part of bringing that revival to pass. Pray that your children would have hearts that are committed to the Lord, committed to prayer, and committed to our nation.<br /></span><br />God Bless You and May God Bless America,<br />Tracy Klehn<br /><br />P.S. CONGRATS to Iris who is the winner of the Book Give Away ("The Secret Holocaust Diaries"). Way to go Iris!......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-16690110676995748382009-04-29T07:46:00.000-07:002009-04-29T08:38:45.037-07:00My Plan was the Walk, God's Plan was the Watermelon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SfhtryLhG8I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/BuLAlEV1UYc/s1600-h/klehnseries4small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SfhtryLhG8I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/BuLAlEV1UYc/s400/klehnseries4small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330130757964864450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SfhtUEEGBzI/AAAAAAAAAJI/HXPEyCNpvhs/s1600-h/klehnseries5small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SfhtUEEGBzI/AAAAAAAAAJI/HXPEyCNpvhs/s400/klehnseries5small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330130350448707378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/Sfhs4AoIcCI/AAAAAAAAAJA/A8j2PhIp1M0/s1600-h/klehnseries2small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/Sfhs4AoIcCI/AAAAAAAAAJA/A8j2PhIp1M0/s400/klehnseries2small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330129868489781282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/Sfhsaafe9sI/AAAAAAAAAI4/PEYpbvf3ZSA/s1600-h/klehnseries1b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/Sfhsaafe9sI/AAAAAAAAAI4/PEYpbvf3ZSA/s400/klehnseries1b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330129360036755138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/Sfhr9m__HiI/AAAAAAAAAIw/44FeRVpToG0/s1600-h/klehnseries1small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/Sfhr9m__HiI/AAAAAAAAAIw/44FeRVpToG0/s400/klehnseries1small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330128865178099234" /></a><br />I'm currently enrolled in my first college photography class (with 4 other mom friends of mine and a bunch of college kids!) and our assignment for this week was to take a "Series" of pictures. I pondered all the different ways I could go about accomplishing this broad assignment before settling on a church event that was to happen over the weekend. The church our family attends just had their last service at their rented, strip mall facility and was scheduled to walk, as a congregation, the four miles from the old facility to the new. <br /><br />It was a bright, sunny Sunday and I was sure that I could get some neat shots. I was right. I captured the picture of the painting in the window of the old facility that reads "WE'RE MOVING!" and shows a truck towing a church. I got pictures of the stream of young and old leaving the parking lot and heading down the sidewalk in brightly colored patches of joy. I got shots of a little boy on his dad's shoulders, a shot of a pony-tailed girl with her arm wrapped around the neck of her Labra-doodle, a shot of friends arm in arm on their way to their new church home. I really did, as I had planned, get some good options for my assignment. <br /><br />Hours and hundreds of pictures later, as we stood in front of the new church having finished our walk, toured the new facility, and reveled in all the Lord was accomplishing I decided it was time to put my camera away. As I turned to get my camera bag a snip of red hair caught my attention...<br /><br />Today I marvel once again at the fact that <span style="font-weight:bold;">God's plans are always so much better than my own plans</span>. My plan had been to get a series of pictures of a momentous day in the life of our church, a series of pictures of our own "Grand Exodus" and subsequent entry to "the Promised Land" and indeed, for the most part my plan worked out (this time) but <span style="font-weight:bold;">God's plan was for me to capture an even better series of pictures which included one of His littlest children "bearing fruit." </span><br /><br />When God captivated me with "Claire" He also reminded me how brightly He can radiate in the youngest of children and how wonder often comes in small packages and how the best "fruits of our labor" come not only in buildings and accomplishments but in lives that are nurtured. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Oh mommies, I pray for you and I that the Lord would open our spirit eyes that we would not miss "the watermelons of life." That God would alert us to those moments when His irresistible beauty shows up in unexpected places. That God would help us remember that He greatly values our role as mothers and that His light shines most brightly in the lives of the little ones...and that we will always be His little ones! <span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br />"Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare." Psalm 40:5<br /><br />"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." Jeremiah 29:11<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Tracy Klehn......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-12056748140905887122009-04-20T18:15:00.000-07:002009-04-20T18:31:42.854-07:00"The Secret Holocaust Diaries" Book GiveawayHere is a soon to be classic. If you would like to have the opportunity to win a copy of this book please just "comment" and leave me your email address.<br /><br />Have a wonderful week!<br />Blessings to you,<br />Tracy Klehn<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/Se0gcz7bNLI/AAAAAAAAAIo/dOQrZR6rO04/s1600-h/thesecretholocaustdiaries_cover_195.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 292px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/Se0gcz7bNLI/AAAAAAAAAIo/dOQrZR6rO04/s400/thesecretholocaustdiaries_cover_195.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326949613597045938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="Street"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="address"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Calibri; 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mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i style=""><br /></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><u>Introduction<o:p></o:p></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:85%;" >Nonna Bannister appeared to be a typical American housewife. She married Henry, the love of her life, in 1951 and together they raised three children in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Memphis</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Tennessee</st1:state></st1:place>. But Nonna was far from average. For half a century, she kept her story secret while living a normal life.<span style=""> </span>She locked all of her photos, documents, diaries, and dark memories from World War II in a trunk in her attic.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:85%;" >Tyndale House Publishers announces the publication of <i style="">The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister</i><i style="">, </i>the haunting eyewitness account of Nonna Lisowskaja Bannister, a remarkable Russian girl who saw and survived unspeakable evils during World War II. written by Nonna Bannister with Denise George and Carolyn Tomlin (April 2009, Tyndale House)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><u><br /><o:p></o:p></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=""><span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><i style="">1. The Secret Holocaust Diaries</i> is written by Nonna although she passed away in 2004. Did she write the book before she died?</span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Geneva;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >Yes, she slipped up into the attic each night, translated her diaries (from several different languages), and recorded them in English onto yellow legal pads. Much later, after she told her husband, Henry, about her incredible past, she showed him the stacks of yellow legal pads on which she had translated her diaries and recorded her thoughts about her past, and he typed them up into a manuscript.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-size:85%;color:red;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">2.<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:85%;">Would Nonna have liked to see her book published before she died?</span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >Nonna translated her diary into English and her husband, Henry, typed the manuscript. However, she requested the diary not be published until at least 2 or 3 years after she died. Henry honored this request. (She died in 2004.) The story was very painful and reminded her of the suffering her family endured. When she came to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> in 1950 she was overwhelmed by her new life. She was determined to make a new life for herself and to give her husband and children a happy home.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-size:85%;color:red;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">3.<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:85%;">Nonna came from a privileged family. Are there any interesting stories of people her ancestors knew?</span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Geneva;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >Nonna's family "ran with" the upper crust in the <st1:country-region st="on">Ukraine</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Russia</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Her mother and father were educated in <st1:country-region st="on">Russia</st1:country-region>'s great cultural city, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">St. Petersburg</st1:place></st1:city>. Nonna's grandmother and grandfather knew the last Tsar, Nicholas II, and Nonna kept a postcard sent by him (shortly before his death) to her grandfather, Jakob, for his birthday (dated 1913?). Jakob was killed during the Revolution while trying to help Russian families escape.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >Nonna writes in her diary of living on the ”<st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Chekov Lane</st1:address></st1:street>” in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Taganrog</st1:place></st1:city>, the street where Russian writer Anton Chekov (1860–1904) had once lived.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >The family also visited often the boy Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (nicknamed "Sasha") and his mother, Taissia. She and </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >Nonna’s mother, Anna, were good friends. They enjoyed giving concerts and playing the violin and piano. Nonna writes of eating ice cream with her mother and Taissia, and spending the night in the Solzhenitsyn home during a thunderstorm. Alexander was older that Nonna, studying at the university.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">4.<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:85%;">Many people assume most of the people killed by the Nazis were Jewish. Was Nonna’s family Jewish?</span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >Although it is estimated that approximately 6 million Jews were killed by the Nazis, other nationalities experienced suffering and death, also. Nonna's family was Russian and owned seven grain mills and homes in southern <st1:country-region st="on">Russia</st1:country-region> and the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Ukraine</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Her father, Yevgeny, and his family were from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Warsaw</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Poland</st1:country-region></st1:place>, which included a large population of Jews. Due to border restrictions, Nonna never met her father's family. Yevgeny never told Nonna and her brother, Anatoly, if his family was Jewish. If the children didn't know, they could not let it slip. The admission of being Jewish could have meant deportation or certain death. There is speculation, but no one is certain.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">5.<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:85%;">Nonna saved many documents from her time at Nazi camps; what are these artifacts?</span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >In a small ticking pillow she kept tied around her waist, she kept many one inch square photos of her family and friends in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Ukraine</st1:place></st1:country-region>. She also kept her small childhood diary. On tiny slips of paper, she wrote her experiences (in diary form) and also kept these in the little pillow.<br />Later she kept all these in a small trunk, which she painted bright green.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">6.<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:85%;">When Nonna finally revealed her secret, was her family shocked?</span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >Henry knew there was something about her past that she didn’t want to talk about. Being a patient man, he never pressed her to speak about this secret. As they grew older, he asked her to write down some things about her family—so their children would know their heritage. After months of secretly translating her diary (written in several different languages) she took him to the attic, open the little green trunk and showed him her family’s photos and the yellow legal pages of the translated diary. Henry was astonished at what he saw.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">7.<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:85%;">Why did Nonna keep her devastating secret for so many years?</span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >Nonna kept her secret past from her family/friends because she had, at last, found such happiness with her husband, Henry, and her three children. She didn't want to express her past pain--she didn’t want it to interrupt the family's happiness and cast a shadow of despair over them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">8.<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:85%;">The diaries themselves were written in several languages and some were on scraps of paper. How did she go about transcribing them?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style=";font-size:85%;color:red;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >Nonna learned English after she came to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> in 1950. This became her primary language. She realized they should be transcribed in English so Henry could type the pages. He spent several years typing these notes after work and on weekends.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >The miniature black/white photos, the diaries, the notes from the prison camp, her mother’s letters from the concentration camps, and other documents were organized and put into chapters for a book—one she hoped would be published after her death.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">9.<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:85%;">What can people of Christian faith or Jewish faith/descent take from <i style="">The Secret Holocaust Diaries</i>?</span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >That grave injustice exists--Nonna learned that from the Red Army (who killed many of her family members) and Hitler's army (who also killed many of her family members and imprisoned her in a labor camp). But that God's love and forgiveness for those who hurt us are stronger than even Hitler's evil and injustice. Nonna came out of the whole experience with her heart still filled with love. She experienced none of the bitterness and hatred that some Jewish Holocaust survivors have held onto. She was able to marry, raise children, and bring them much joy and happiness through her own love and through introducing them to God's love. <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">10.<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:85%;">Why did Nonna feel it was so important to share her story?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);">The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister</span></i></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" > is a true story of a young Russian girl whose family was caught up in the Russian Revolution and in World War II. In spite of the injustice inflicted on her family and millions of others, it is a story of love and forgiveness. Nonna wanted others to know the horrors that occurred during the Hitler and Stalin era so that it might never happen again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);font-size:85%;" >Nonna felt compelled to tell her story because she was an eyewitness to many dramatic events, and she was the only survivor of her entire family. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><u>Conclusion<o:p></o:p></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:85%;" >Late in life, Nonna unlocked her trunk filled with memories from World War II first for her husband, and now for the rest of the world. Nonna’s story is one of suffering, torture, and death—but also of incredible acts of kindness that show the ultimate triumph of faith and love over despair and evil. <i style="">The Secret Holocaust Diaries</i> is in part a tragedy, yet ultimately it’s an unforgettable true story about forgiveness, courage, and hope.<o:p></o:p></span></p>......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-23122304814093760552009-04-08T08:29:00.000-07:002009-04-20T18:38:09.640-07:00What is God Doing With Your Pencil?Mother Theresa has been quoted as saying <span style="font-weight: bold;">"</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">We a</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">re </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">all little pencils in the hand of God</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">"</span> which begets the question <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"What is God</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> com</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">mun</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">icating with your pencil"? </span><br /><br />We have been attending a growing church for fifteen years and are now weeks away from moving into our own facility. We've grown from being known as the "Chips and Salsa Church" (because we were located in a strip mall next to a mexican restaurant) to the "Liquor Store Church" (you guessed it--we relocated to a bigger facility in another strip mall this time next to a liquor store). Now,the season is upon us when we will move onto our own parcel of lay moms how to pray all day and still put the laundry away CNN John Blake Tracy Klehn article busy mom busy moms, Mother Theresa quote "we are all pencils in the hand of God" Revelations 5:9 christian perspective easter, Tracy Klehn, nd.<br /><br />This past Sunday the congregation was invited to come and "sign the floor" before the carpet is installed. It was quite a sight to see...hundreds of people of all ages writing on the floor and, as I walked around and looked at the writing I was deeply moved as I trust you will be as well...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzQI5ohshI/AAAAAAAAAII/9d2rdFFSWv4/s1600-h/040709+038.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzQI5ohshI/AAAAAAAAAII/9d2rdFFSWv4/s400/040709+038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322357710973415954" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzRAQ5TQ1I/AAAAAAAAAIY/-wmZR6dZy9M/s1600-h/040709+031.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzRAQ5TQ1I/AAAAAAAAAIY/-wmZR6dZy9M/s400/040709+031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322358662110593874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzQkjwZmLI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/EKh1PWPz7DI/s1600-h/040709+033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzQkjwZmLI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/EKh1PWPz7DI/s400/040709+033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322358186137196722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzO5L2xDGI/AAAAAAAAAH4/fbqOskpl-4M/s1600-h/040709+028.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzO5L2xDGI/AAAAAAAAAH4/fbqOskpl-4M/s400/040709+028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322356341475445858" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzPiaiKtSI/AAAAAAAAAIA/m2RLPeGmsSg/s1600-h/040709+025.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzPiaiKtSI/AAAAAAAAAIA/m2RLPeGmsSg/s400/040709+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322357049790215458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzILIiIPgI/AAAAAAAAAGY/6lNd4tumAZY/s1600-h/040709+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzILIiIPgI/AAAAAAAAAGY/6lNd4tumAZY/s400/040709+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322348953239830018" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzN32JHU9I/AAAAAAAAAHo/pS2Pe75J7-U/s1600-h/040709+023.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzN32JHU9I/AAAAAAAAAHo/pS2Pe75J7-U/s400/040709+023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322355218955326418" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzMxZRYwgI/AAAAAAAAAHY/sMma2f5lX_s/s1600-h/040709+020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzMxZRYwgI/AAAAAAAAAHY/sMma2f5lX_s/s400/040709+020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322354008614552066" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzLlxelCUI/AAAAAAAAAHI/0UwFT-q3PV8/s1600-h/040709+016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzLlxelCUI/AAAAAAAAAHI/0UwFT-q3PV8/s400/040709+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322352709442275650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzLI-RnFpI/AAAAAAAAAHA/sgYjD-UJn6U/s1600-h/040709+013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzLI-RnFpI/AAAAAAAAAHA/sgYjD-UJn6U/s400/040709+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322352214661338770" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzKgJ-UCvI/AAAAAAAAAG4/DUhTiIGX9VY/s1600-h/040709+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzKgJ-UCvI/AAAAAAAAAG4/DUhTiIGX9VY/s400/040709+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322351513426987762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzKGF12h2I/AAAAAAAAAGw/_8qoHZoden4/s1600-h/040709+007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzKGF12h2I/AAAAAAAAAGw/_8qoHZoden4/s400/040709+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322351065641158498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzJZrzN4cI/AAAAAAAAAGo/mQD1xG4MWCA/s1600-h/040709+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzJZrzN4cI/AAAAAAAAAGo/mQD1xG4MWCA/s400/040709+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322350302736540098" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzI38V2t_I/AAAAAAAAAGg/F0XHrB4JNyo/s1600-h/040709+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/SdzI38V2t_I/AAAAAAAAAGg/F0XHrB4JNyo/s400/040709+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322349723061237746" border="0" /></a><br />As Easter quickly approaches and we reflect on the fact that Jesus voluntarily chose to spill his blood and in doing so purchase us for God (Revelations 5:9) I encourage you to reflect on what you are being used by God to communicate to the World through your life? I encourage you to talk to your children about this concept as well remembering what the beautiful Mother Theresa said...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"I am a little pencil in the hand of God who is sending a love letter to the world." </span><br />Mother Theresa<br /><br />Blessings to you,<br />Tracy Klehn......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-68043742777941768572009-03-31T17:50:00.000-07:002009-03-31T18:19:33.765-07:00CNN Features My Book "Prayer Starters for Busy Moms" !!We're "Jumping and Screaming" over here because the "Word" is getting out about the power of prayer. <br /><br />About two months ago, as I sat recovering from my appendectomy I received a call from a reporter from CNN who was doing an article on motherhood and spirituality and wanted to interview me. I hope you not only enjoy <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/03/30/moms.spirituality/index.html?iref=24hours">the article</a> and remember that prayer is not only powerful it is possible (even when we have little ones, big ones and the life in between), but I hope God puts a person on your heart that you can forward this article to. Maybe she/he needs to be reminded that the love and power of Christ is just a prayer away!<br /><br />Blessings to you and thanks for celebrating with us and for passing on the message of the power of prayer!<br /><br />Love,<br />Tracy Klehn......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-19399473442060243992009-03-26T16:31:00.000-07:002009-03-26T17:14:56.218-07:00Pick a Card, Any Card...<span style="font-weight: bold;">Are you sick of trying to figure out what to make for dinner?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you get tired of thinking of yet another way to make chicken?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you want to make dinner a special time where your family leaves the table feeling blessed?</span><br /><br />Well, I have an idea that might help you. A few years ago I incorporated an idea that I learned from author/speaker Lauren Littauer Briggs (<span style="font-style: italic;">Making the Blue Plate Special</span>)and here's how it works.<br /><br />The first thing you do is gather your family to brainstorm and come up with every possible dinner option you can think of. The sky is the limit here. You might end up with your kids favorites like chili dogs and tater tots (my son's favorite), tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, your husbands' favorite stroganoff, your favorite salad but don't forget that you can also include things like breakfast for dinner (i.e. pancakes, bacon and fresh fruit, omelettes and smoothies...), or new recipes you'd like to try...<br /><br />Next, write each idea down on an index card or on scratch paper that's been cut into rectangular pieces (your family can help with this too...you could even start the brainstorming session by gathering around the dinner table and handing each member of the family a stack of index cards and a pen-or crayons for the little ones so they can draw pictures of the food they like and you can label the picture at the top).<br /><br />Once this is done you now have a whole bunch of dinner options close at hand (I keep my stack of cards in the drawer next to my stove). The day you are making your grocery list (for me that's Sundays) pull out the stack of cards, put them on the table and have each member of the family pick one card (one dinner) that they'd like to have that week.<br /><br />Not only does this system help you with your creativity, it can also help your household run a little more efficiently... you may be able to reduce the number of times you go to the market per week and you may also save some money by sticking to your list (not to mention the gas you'll save by not going back and forth to the market). The other nice thing about this system is that it gives you the opportunity to teach your kids that, while dinner might not necessarily be their favorite one night, it is someone else's favorite and they can be patient knowing their choice is just a few days away.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/ScwXM8WJAiI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/yjxYvCydZ1w/s1600-h/032309+040.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ibKM83BKz_I/ScwXM8WJAiI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/yjxYvCydZ1w/s400/032309+040.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317650771142574626" border="0" /></a><br />I hope you find this idea helpful. So far this week our family has enjoyed teriyaki chicken and rice and my mom's famous beef stew recipe (and when I went to get the chicken, it was on sale so I was inspired to make homemade chicken soup early on in the week and have left-overs for lunches).<br /><br />Next time you're tired of all your dinner ideas tell your kids to "pick a card, any card!"<br /><br />Bon Apetit!<br />Tracy Klehn......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-87370074875649409752009-03-20T07:41:00.000-07:002009-03-20T08:10:09.011-07:00Revealing GodIn one of my first blog entries ("<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Deeper Meaning</span>," September 1, 2008) <span style="font-weight: bold;">I defined the Magnificent Life as "a life that sees and senses God at work and reflects God to those around us." </span> This week as I've been doing the Beth Moore Bible Study <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Breaking Free</span> (Lifeway) I was struck by something Beth wrote as we studied the topic of "God's Glory..."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"God desires that He be recognizable in us in all we do! Living a life that glorifies God is synonymous with living a life that reveals God.</span>"<br /><br />Referring to Colossians 1:24-27 (v 27 "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.") Beth goes on to say <span style="font-weight: bold;">"We have no hope whatsoever of God being recognizable in us if the Spirit of Christ does not dwell in us."</span> Beth then says<span style="font-weight: bold;"> "We fulfill what we were 'meant to be' when God is 'recognizable' in our lifestyle."</span> (page 36, <span style="font-style: italic;">Breaking Free</span>, Lifeway Publishers)<br /><br />Pretty powerful isn't it? When we have the Spirit of the Living God living in us we have the potential to live a life that "reveals God." Have you ever had someone "reveal God" to you? Who was it? <br /><br />A Grand-ma that took care of you when nobody else would?<br />An aunt that prayed for you even when you were running in the opposite direction?<br />A child that pointed out the beauty of God's creation?<br />A friend that sat next to you when you were sick?<br />A husband that provided for you and promises to continue to?<br /><br />Let's pray that our lives would "reveal God" and in doing so project to the world that He is AWESOME and He offers HOPE!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lord God, you are indeed amazing. Your ways are above our ways and yet you allow us to catch glimpses of your ways through the pages of your Word and through the Holy Spirit working in our midst. Lord, we want to be women that "reveal" you, women that glorify you. Please show us any obstacle or sin that might be keeping us from being conduits for your grace here on Earth so that we might turn away from them and turn back to you. We don't want anything to get between our relationship with you nor our ability to reveal your love and hope to this broken world. In Jesus' name, AMEN!!!</span><br /><br />Blessings,<br />Tracy Klehn......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4519605237325337551.post-95960700766913152009-03-10T18:56:00.001-07:002009-03-10T19:02:38.511-07:00Do You Want to Know What "Changed My Life?"I thought I'd mix it up a little with the blog this week and go with a "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwPOo54_GHg">video blog</a>" (click on those words to view) that answers the question "What has changed your life for the better?" I hope you find it encouraging.<br /><br />Have an awesome "life changing" week!<br />Love,<br />Tracy Klehn......................................................................http://www.blogger.com/profile/10434477212534319751noreply@blogger.com1