Tag Archives: Christ

A New Day Has Dawned – I Have a Teenager! (Michelle D. Howe)

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I woke up this morning and a new day has dawned.

I am now a mother of a teenager.

Ugh! Can I turn back with a swing of a wand?

I remember the day of your birth you were born with a full head of hair and a heart of gold.

So how did the time pass and you became this old?

Thirteen today and as beautiful as ever I am so proud to call myself your mother.

I was not cute at this age or this grade.

So it must have been something I prayed.

God answered my prayer above and beyond

Such a talented, inspiring and encouraging young lady

ready to take on the world already.

I am so proud of the God-confidence you have developed.

I know it will take you further than I ever expected.

I’m ok with that because I know He has a plan and I will be your biggest fan.Aubrey baton pic

You love to twirl and dance around oh how you astound.

I love you Aubrey and hope you know I will always be proud of you so go and glow.

Light up the world and make an impact.

You have Christ within you and that is a fact.

Thank you for keeping our family time important.  We know it produces a love that shines vibrant.

So Happy Birthday to you today. We love you more than these words can say.

Your Mom and Dad :-)

Do you have some Godly advice to pass along to me and my daughter? 

We would love to be encouraged by you today?

News from Everyday Lifeline:

  • REGISTRATION IS OPEN!  Today launches the new Fall series of “It is Finished” Weekend of Wins taking place in Stuart and St. Petersburg, Florida.  If you ever dreamt of participating in a 5k or half marathon, check out this transformational event.  Learn more HERE.
  • IT IS FINISHED!!  Also, Michelle has finished her 2nd book and is doing a pre-launch to our valued readers and blogging community!  Pre-purchase the book HERE or find out how to receive yours for FREE. 
  • FREE GIFT FOR YOU!!  Our conference, Unleashed Living Larger, was a huge success and we want to say thank you by sharing some of the content from the 2 day event.  Email us at michelle@everydaylifeline.com and we will send you the FREE download of over 5 hours of tools and training.  Included on the download is our conference keynote speaker, Jeff Goins. He was fantabulous!!!
  • One more thing- my friend Jdub, a Christian Hip Hop Artist, released a single called Superstar.  Would you take a minute to listen, then download or share it with a friend who would be encouraged by the song?  Learn more HERE.

Do I Dare to Dream? by Will Ratliff

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I remember the conversation like it was yesterday.  I was in college and on the phone with my dad.  I don’t remember what new idea I was sharing, only that his first response was negative.  My father has a keen knack for seeing the flaws in almost every plan.  Especially ones I thought were going to be awesome!

You see, I’m a visionary.  My father is not.  A realist, you might call him.  There are other words that come to mind.  Nay-sayer.  Party pooper.  Stick-in-the-mud.

This wasn’t the first conversation my father and I had that would end with him shooting holes in my big plans and dreams.

I mustered my courage and as my frustration built to the point of exploding, I yelled, “Why do you always have to rain on my parades?”  (That will make him stop and think!)

“Why do you have to have so many parades?” he replied quickly.

I didn’t know what to say, so I just hung up.  It was the only time I had ever hung up on my dad.

It was at this point in my life that my dreams started to die.

Do I dare to dream?  Or should I just be realistic?

When I’m honest with myself, I’ve always been a dreamer.  I think about what could be.  About the world being a better place.  About my part in God’s grand story that has been continuing since the beginning of time.  I dream about making a difference in my family, my community, and the world.  If I’m going to do those things, then I can’t be realistic.

Being realistic never accomplishes much more than the status quo.  And that’s the last thing I want for my life, especially when it comes to my faith.

Faith isn’t realistic.  What’s realistic about believing in something you can’t even see?  Have you read the Bible?

Was God realistic when he called a pagan to be the father of His chosen nation?

Was Moses realistic when He believed God would part the Red Sea and save the Israelites from the Egyptian army?

Was Gideon realistic when he took 300 men to fight an army of thousands?

There are countless examples.  If you’re a dreamer like me, and if you struggle with whether God has called you to pursue a specific dream, then let me offer a few suggestions to help you clarify.

-          Be Confident it’s YOUR Dream.

  • King David wanted to build a temple for God, but God told him it wasn’t his dream to fulfill.  His son, Solomon, would eventually build the temple in Jerusalem.
  • Don’t take on someone else’s dream.  Only you know what your dream and calling are, so take wise counsel, but don’t let others dictate your dream to you.

-          Pray and Listen

  • Spend time in prayer listening to God.  He speaks – we need to listen so we hear Him. 
  • Make sure God says “yes” before moving forward. 
  • Pray with your spouse or trusted friend.

-          Check with Scripture

  • Align your dream with the Truth. 
  • Think twice if there’s something in your plan that Scripture opposes.

-          Know your “why”!

  • There is a saying, “If you know the why, the how will come.”
  • Get clear on your “why”, and the how will make itself clear.

-          Go for it!

  • Don’t be afraid to experiment.
  • Adjust and clarify as needed.
  • Move forward.

Dare to dream!  Pursue the call that God has for you, and let’s show those nay-sayers how to truly live!

Will Ratliff is passionate about helping others clarify and live out their dreams.  He’s a husband, father, and above all a disciple of Jesus.  You can learn more about his work at www.fuelforleaders.biz and follow his blog at www.faithbrewings.com .

The Attraction of Distractions (and How to Refocus) by Michelle D. Howe

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A bee buzzing around my head.   A mosquito biting my leg.  A fly in my face.

Distractions are happening around us everyday and we have a choice in that moment how much attention we will give it.  I can get obsessed with distractions.  When a person is speaking and all of sudden a fly comes buzzing around their head, my attention goes to the distraction and I am no longer listening to what the speaker is saying.  Anyone relate?

Our society is attracted to distractions such as the daily news, gossip, social media status, and much more.   Why? Well, mostly because  it allows us to take our eyes off of our own issues and put them on the lives of others. This may be why soap operas and reality TV is so popular.

One of the biggest issues with distractions in our lives is it takes you out of the game of life.  You no longer are serving God in all you do but serving self.  Every one was designed by God for a larger purpose.  If we are so distracted by other people’s lives or the silly things that go on around us, we are not growing our walk with the Lord or reaching out to those that need Jesus.

No, we are too busy keeping track of everyone else that we forget what our purpose is and why we are here.  Now this is not to say we don’t come alongside of our Christian brothers and sisters to extend truth in love when needed but let’s us not become so distracted by their life that we forget the calling on our own life.

I am no good to the Kingdom of God if I’m so consumed about what Sally said and what David did.  If this is my focus, I don’t see my friend that needs a hug or the new person at church that needs a friendly greeting. I don’t sense the Holy Spirit encouraging me to call my mom to check on her or reach out to friend that needs an encouraging word.  I don’t want to be so focused on distractions that I forget about all those around me that God has called me to serve.

So how do we shift our focus back to purposes of God?

  1. Go for a walk and pray.  Eyes open, connecting to your surroundings and action in your steps.  This helps me to lift those distractions up in prayer and begin to hear from God again as my body settles into the Spirit within.
  2. Worship Music – Loud, purposeful and praise worthy.  Allow the music to fill you and let it flush out all that is vying for your attention.
  3. Connect with a safe friend – Call or text a “safe” friend for prayer and encouragement.  This is not time to gossip or go into your story.  It is a time to be filled and refocused on what is important.

Jesus encountered many distractions during his ministry but He didn’t allow them to take His eyes off of His Father in heaven and His ultimate purpose.

 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. 1 Cor 7:35

Will you commit to allow the distractions of this life NOT to get the best of you so you that you only have the rest of you to give to this world?  Choose NOW to give God your best and start living on purpose for Him!!

What is distracting you today?  What kind of hold does it have on you that’s keeping you from accomplishing your purpose?  Please share.  We love your comments and we will comment back.

WE would love to connect with you.  Consider joining our Facebook Community!

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JENNY

TAMMY

MICHELLE

Straight from the Heart – A Gratitude Journal (Michelle D. Howe)

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My word for this year is gratitude. In the past, I have been thankful before meals and in my prayers but I have never been intentionally grateful so to experience the fullness of my salvation. This year I’m venturing into that experience and I am inviting you to come along. Therefore, I will be sharing throughout the year my personal gratitude entries.

Why would I do this?

  1. I can be accountable to doing what I say I am going to do.
  2. I can lay my needing to look like I have it all together belief down.
  3. God will be glorified in all he is doing to continually shape my character.
  4. You will desire to experience gratitude in your life.

Here is my recent journal entry that is coming straight from my heart.

Saturday, January 11

Lord I’m thankful for the opportunities to serve at my church for the garage sale. It was fun, curious and joyful time. So much stuff and all now just someone’s trash that will soon be someone’s treasure. Oh how you do that for us. Turn us from our past trash into your new treasure through your Son. Thank you for Jesus and how you remind me of this precious gift that was undeserved.

Thank you for hard, harsh words from a mystery man-hurting, crying out for love and truth. I pray for this hurting person who doesn’t understand you! You in me is all I am. Living your desires and gifts so that I can shine a light, Your light, into this world. If this looks like my glory then Lord forgive me. My life is yours and I desire it to be exclusively used to build Your kingdom. The world first hated you (John 15) so why am I surprised that choosing to live for You and love You would produce hate in others. Your light shines in my heart and makes me free and alive. For those watching, that same light may strike a hurt or pain of jealously and judgement that only You can heal. Again I thank you for this man, this moment of lies so I could cling to you even more and know your truth deeper into my soul. Love you Lord, Michelle

Sunday, January 13

Thank you Lord for church and the weekly collection of sinful people coming together to remember why. Why we are here and how you desire to use us in this hurting and lost world. Thank you for youth Sunday School. I was drawn even more closer to you through tears of reminders of your persecution. You were mocked, flogged, spit at and drag bloody in front of everyone. You didn’t fight back because you knew the purpose, the timing of this pain.

Thank you for family and friends that encouraged me with their words and actions that counteracted the harsh words from this hurting man criticizing my mission, my body, and my voice. He wasn’t just attacking me but You because all of me is Yours. You knew the timing of this ill phone call message and you prompted the hearts of those around me to lift me up and remember your faithfulness instead of the lies. Oh how I am grateful that you are in control and I love, trust and believe even more.

I am grateful for family moments. Helping Aubrey with her twirling solo and encouraging her word for 2013, “confidence.” Dinner together not a common moment yet precious and endearing time of open hearts, minds on you and each other. Thankful for pre-teen moments with my girls. Talks of body changes and pampering sessions. Oh how I love being a mom to two girls. Weekend includes dancing to Just Dance 4 and singing loudly in the car. Fun times, memories made amongst painful thoughts. Lord stop this!! I want to focus on your Word and give thanks for everything. And so I do. Michelle

Bonus entry: Thank you lord for Julia’s curiosity of Your universe that took us all out under the stars on a blanket in the driveway to enjoy Your majesty. Wow how miniscule we are and how Magnificent You are!!! Love you Lord. Michelle :-)

Appreciate the opportunity to share and I pray that somehow someway God will use my experience to encourage and support you in living in the fullness of our Savior.

What you are thankful for today? How can we be praying for you so you can experience the fullness of your salvation in Christ Jesus.

We love your comments and we respond back. :-)

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JENNY

TAMMY

MICHELLE

Define Your Year with One Word (Jenny, Michelle and Tammy)

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How do you want to define 2013?  How about focusing on One Word.  This One Word can set the tone or content for how you will show up and influence every moment of 2013.   We believe it can create a more focused and intentional year and empower you to reach your fullest potential in the abundant life God has created for you.

Here are the words we have chosen to wake up to and be more aware of in 2013 and a review from our word in 2012.

Jenny’s word for 2012 was Courage.

Jenny Price, Overflow

It was needed in many ways, on the risky days, and on the quiet days.
I chose His courage over mine.  My courage is limited.   His is unending.
My courage is unstable.   His is perfectly accessible at all moments of life.  I have not mastered choosing HIS courage, but I know the difference.  When I run on my power, strength, hope, courage, or peace, it always runs short.
But running my life on JESUS, leaves me full every time.
So, the year ahead, 2013, I will live in OVERFLOW.  I will live in the knowing:
I serve a God who never runs out.  He always has enough.  He always IS enough.
He is my portion and He is yours.  He has MORE than enough for all of us.
When there’s overflow, we don’t have to pick who gets what.
When there’s overflow, every dream can be reached – every person loved – every orphan chosen.
When there’s overflow, we get to rest in what is, and be already grateful for what’s coming.
When there’s overflow, we don’t look around wondering, will He provide?
We already know He has provided – everything we need for our everyday life.
He gave it at the cross – in OVERFLOW.

Romans 15:13 –  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

Psalm 23:5 - You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 65:11-12  - You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness.

Lord, Jesus, may I rest in your overflow.
May I know how much you love me – no matter what I do or don’t do – that your love has fully covered my life.
In 2013, and beyond, and Out of Your OVERFLOW…
May I give your truth to the hungry.  May I feed your hope to the powerless.
May I grant your peace to the pain ridden.  May I be YOUR overflow in the world that desperately needs to live in Your “enough”.

Michelle Howe, Gratitude

Michelle’s word in 2012 was consistent – to create consistency in my walk with God, my marriage, health, financial and other aspects of my life.  Living a more consistent life has given me an appreciation for the here and now.  It is in the mundane that I want to lose sight of my calling but I’m called to do all things for God rather than men (Col 3:23).

I am still working  on consistency and I am allowing God to bring more of Him in my life this year by focusing on being grateful.

Michelle’s word of 2013 is Gratitude

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

At the end of 2012, this attitude of being thankful keep coming up for me.  For my birthday, Tammy gave me Ann Voskamp’s book, “One Thousand Gifts, A Dare to LIVE FULLY  right where you are.”  This book as punctured my soul with the beautiful poetic writing and the message of Eucharisteo.  Within this greek word for thanksgiving is grace and joy.

In 2013, I want to experience the FULLNESS of God with Eucharisteo so I can appreciate every moment, every day, every blessing and give thanks to the One that is the giver of Life.

I choose this year to keep a gratitude journal.  I choose to influence my family to by asking every night what they are thankful for and writing it on their calendar before crossing off the day.

To wake up and read Jesus Calling 365 daily devotional one for me and one for my girls.

To encourage others to be thankful because out of a grateful heart flows satisfaction and contentment which leads to salvation and peace.

Thanksgiving – giving thanks in everything - prepares the way that God might show us His fullest salvation in Christ  Ann Voskamp

Psalm 50:23 – He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.

1Thes 5:16-18 – Always be joyful.  Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Psalm 105:1 -  Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness.  Let the whole world know what he has done

Tammy Werthem, Influence

Tammy’s One word for 2013 is INFLUENCE.

Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.

Matthew 5:16  “A Christian’s good works should shine before the world, illuminating truth and pointing observers at the glory of God. Christians should work in such a way as to always point observers toward God.”

I chose INFLUENCE because I know that God is counting on me to make a difference.

I have unique gifts and experiences that can benefit others.  No one else is equipped like me.  Each of us is wired and gifted in special ways.

1 Corinthians 12:7 “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good”

I have overcome much and live in victory because of Christ’s amazing love and redemption made manifest in my life.

I desire to be an agent for change in the kingdom of God.

I long to share my story to lead other’s into their complete healing in Christ.

I hope that when other’s see the miracles of my life, they will believe more deeply in Jesus and be empowered to move forward in mighty ways.

We encourage you to define your year so you too can be intentional about growing in your walk with the Lord.  Pray and ask Him to show you your One Word. 

What is your One Word that will define 2013?  Please share in the comments.

Check out the website My One Word to support you in defining your year.  http://myoneword.org/

WE would love it if you joined our Facebook Community!

You can do so by clicking HERE: Facebook Page

AND we’d love to have you follow us on Twitter?

Click on our names to go to our Twitter Pages:

JENNY

TAMMY

MICHELLE

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone (by Tammy)

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grafittithebook.com

Graffiti is about life outside your comfort zone.  Graffiti is a call to get involved and have a meaningful impact.

Alene Snodgrass is an amazing woman who shines brightly for Jesus. She blogs at Positively Alene

I love her heart for the broken. 

“Written by a homeless man and a suburban girl (me) this short eBook follows the journey of two people who are very different. Who would have thought when our paths crossed we would have had anything in common, but God had something different planned.”          taken  from http://www.graffitithebook.com/

Their friendship is a beautiful expression of our life with Christ.  Each shares with passion and humility and is open to learning  and receiving from the other.

Writing from their unique perspectives, they share how God has worked in their lives.  We are never too old or too young to reach out and form new friendships, especially with folks who are different from us.

This book will help you see that there are opportunities everywhere to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

Your journey is all about the steps you take in obedience.

I want to learn from a story and be empowered.

He (enemy) tricks us and stifles us from exposing the truth because he knows we become stronger when the truth prevails.

What has God scribbled on your heart that needs to be told?

Isn’t it like God to show up in our weakness and ignorance and change our lives no matter what side of the street we live on?

You can check out her Graffiti page and get a free chapter of the book here: GRAFFITI

Believe me; you will be so glad you did!

I Make People Cry, Jenny Price

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I make people cry. 

I don’t hit them. Or yell at them.

I just love them.

I love them enough to ask the questions – that lead them –

down their road –

to face their broken dreams and lean into their blessed healing.

I make people cry - it’s my spiritual gift.

Spiritual - Christ in me - listening to the pain.

Gift – when you open it, something is finally received.

Crying.

It opens us up.

The faucet turned on.

It opens us up.

The book, finally read.

The tears pour out – like morning dew – His mercies anew.

The gift of making others cry, I pray - is Christ in me – loving the wounded.

Christ in me – living with the wrecked – and cherishing the time and space He gives for me to do so.

I make people cry, and somehow, this leads to healing – both theirs and mine.

A grown man. Sharing his heart. Finally saying, I can’t do it. I cannot be the strong one to hold it all together.  I can’t prevent the pain that my loved one is going to suffer.  And it kills me.

And when I say it out loud, the tears fall. 

They won’t stop.  And it’s okay.

A young teenager. Broken.  So sad she can’t explain it.  Looking for rest.  Parents are breaking up.  Nobody listens.  Nobody cares.  But here you are, listening, looking into my face, loving me enough to liken my tears to my pain.

And when I see the pain for what it is, the tears fall. 

They won’t cease.  And I feel release – finally.

A woman living in chronic pain.  So tired.  Done.  Spent.  Ready for a piece of peace already!   We pretend it’s okay for an hour by going to lunch.  This field trip to lunch is like running four marathons for her.  The pain never ends.  It follows her.  And people see it.  They even ask.  “What happened?”  “You’re so young.”  We pretend our way back to reality – but we do it together, even though alone seems easier.  At least when she’s alone, there’s no voice talking back except the one speaking lies.

 That’s why WE is better than I. 

And two is better than one.

When one falls down, the other is there to pick her up.

When the tears leak, the other is there to read them  – right to left – down her face.

When the pain is too much to handle, the other is there to remind, remember, and recite – the Truth is still with us.

He never changed.

He can’t.

Woman wrecked in unending pain – when she feels the water running down her face, she knows – she is not alone. 

His hands are with her.  His heart is for her. 

His provision of another – of one who “makes her cry” – it ministers grace.

One more step – painful as it is – slow, deliberate, cautious, full of grief – she steps because there’s another with her, holding where she can’t  and believing what she can’t.

The water awakens her Spirit – Life. Healing. Possible.

I make people cry.  I don’t know why.  But I know it’s okay.

I know what crying did for me – it led me to the other side of pain, to see – MORE clearly what could be.

When is the last time you cried?  How do you avoid your pain?  And what happens when you finally see it?  What freedom becomes more possible? COMMENTS welcome!

Need a good cry?  Email me and we can set up a free coaching consult.   jenny@everydaylifeline.com

Mabye I could market myself as the CRY Coach?  Have you seen that out there on market yet?

More than a Finish Line by Michelle D. Howe

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As the announcement of the NYC marathon was canceled, marathon runners went from disappointment to hope in the matter of 24 hours.  Their feelings of disappointment from their time spent in preparation for the race with no finish line to say ”I did it” went to an attitude of  hope with a larger purpose for their training that offered more than a finish line.

Jordan Metzl

“We have our courses mapped out and we will use our legs to do charitable work,” said Jordan Metzl, right, who helped create the New York Runners in Support of Staten Island on Facebook. Photographer: Serena Saitto/Bloomberg

A race is just a race with 1 winner unless you create a larger purpose for running your race.  As believers, we are encouraged to run this race called life with a larger purpose in mind – an eternal mindset on what’s ahead.  Therefore, we must strip off all that hold us back from moving forward and run with endurance the race God has set before us.  (Hebrews 12:1)

What is the race God has set before you? 

You may not be a runner or ever a participant in a race but you are hopefully participant in this life.  As a participant and a believer, you are called to something larger that yourself.  You are called to live as though your life is not your own because we have been bought with a price. (1Cor 6:19-20)

Living out of our selfish ways is a road or path that leads to destruction and death even though it is may be paved with the most beautiful enticements.  A life lived for Jesus is a road that leads to an abundant life – not an easy life but one filled with true purpose.  When we choose to deny our purpose and allow the stuff of this world to cloud our hearts and minds we are no good to God and will suffer unnecessarily.

For those marathon runners, hurricane relief was probably the last thing on their mind as they prepared for this race.  But God knew!! God knew He was preparing not just their bodies physically but their hearts spiritually for the opportunity to serve His people in a way that would impact them more than any finish line.

Here is one story that made an impact. 

Photo: Warning: you'll need kleenex for this story. Marc de Grandpre was one of 1,000+ runners on Sunday to help on Staten Island. As a father with a 9 year-old son, Marc connected with a boy on Staten Island whose house had been severely impacted by Sandy. This boy asked Marc if he had any Legos. Marc said he didn't, but he promised to get some to him soon. When Marc's son Ty heard that this boy needed Legos, he immediately packed-up some of his own for the little boy, not knowing exactly how the Legos would get to Staten Island, but trusting that his Dad would figure it out.Seeing the New York Runners in Support of Staten Island post that Mary Lynn Halland and Geoff Reinhard were driving this morning to SI, Marc waited on a street corner to give them a box with the precious cargo. They found Walter's house on Cedar Grove easily, but no one was home, and the house was locked. They left the box on the back step and hoped the family would return home before the bad weather hit tomorrow.Tonight, the phone rang at the de Grandpre's house. It was the boy from Staten Island, Walter Griswold, calling Ty to thank him for the Legos! His Mom, Kelly, was crying as she spoke with Ty's Mom. Kim. Walter had been having nightmares, afraid that their house would be looted and his Legos stolen. According to him Mom, getting these Legos was the best thing that happened to Walter all year.Sometimes it's the little things that make a huge difference, especially in a time of crisis. Here's hoping that Walter sleeps soundly tonight, and Ty feels that special kind of satisfaction that can only come from helping someone else.Marc de Grandpre was one of 1,000+ runners on Sunday to help on Staten Island.  As a father with a 9 year-old son, Marc connected with a boy on Staten Island whose house had been severely impacted by Sandy.  This boy asked Marc if he had any Legos.  Marc said he didn’t, but he promised to get some to him soon.  

When Marc’s son Ty heard that this boy needed Legos, he immediately packed-up some of his own for the little boy, not knowing exactly how the Legos would get to Staten Island, but trusting that his Dad would figure it out.

Seeing the New York Runners in Support of Staten Island post that Mary Lynn Halland and Geoff Reinhard were driving this morning to SI, Marc waited on a street corner to give them a box with the precious cargo.  They found Walter’s house on Cedar Grove easily, but no one was home, and the house was locked.  They left the box on the back step and hoped the family would return home before the bad weather hit tomorrow.

Tonight, the phone rang at the de Grandpre’s house.  It was the boy from Staten Island, Walter Griswold, calling Ty to thank him for the Legos!  His Mom, Kelly, was crying as she spoke with Ty’s Mom, Kim.  Walter had been having nightmares, afraid that their house would be looted and his Legos stolen.  According to his Mom, getting these Legos was the best thing that happened to Walter all year. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a huge difference, especially in a time of crisis.  Here’s hoping that Walter sleeps soundly tonight, and Ty feels that special kind of satisfaction that can only come from helping someone else.

This may seem trivial compared to others who were needing food, water and shelter but it was what God used to remind people He is there even for our smallest cares.  What the enemy uses to destroy us God uses to bring good.

This concept and much more is what I am empowering more than 20 women to step into during ”It is Finished” Weekend of Wins event taking place at the Women’s Half Marathon in St. Petersburg, FL. on November 17-18, 2012.  Their finish line is going to mean so much more because they are taking it to another level.   A level that will encourage their finish line to mean more like overcoming an addiction or healing from past pain and moving forward with forgiveness and gratefulness in their heart.

The ultimate finish line is when we can say I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race and I have remained faithful. (2 Timothy 4:7).

Do you know what you are fighting for?  Is it for the next iPhone or your football team to win or is it for something bigger? 

 

Do you know your purpose yet deny living it out due to fear, pain and hurt?  It’s time to let go and let God do something new in you.

I challenge you to begin today training your heart and mind towards God and body for His service.  One way may be to sign up for the next local 5k or half marathon in your area.  It is what God used in my life and it may be the tool He wants to use in yours to help you live out your God-given purpose.  Michelle :-)

To learn more about Weekend of Wins and our next 5K event HERE.

If you are interested in bringing Weekend of Wins to your next race weekend, please contact me at michelle@everydaylifeline.com.  I am a certified running coach and seminar facilitator committed to building renewed confidence and evidence in people’s lives so they can finish strong. 

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Off the Couch and Crossing the Finish Line by Tammy Bolt Werthem

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I woke up yesterday and believed I could RUN!

I believed I could release weight and become a runner again.   I believed I could, so I did.

In high school, I was on a cross country team that won the state championship.  Although, I was the last runner on the team, I was still considered a great asset.

Somewhere along the way, I lost my passion for running and exercise.  I no longer cared to make the effort required to “be fit”.

In less than 6 months, I have been transformed from a “couch potato” to a fitness fanatic.  I said goodbye to almost 40 pounds; I changed the way I eat and I shifted my mindset around exercise and physical health.

This was an amazing process in which I fully relied on Christ to keep me focused and on track for my goals.  One day at a time, I choose to honor God with how I take care of my physical being.

I began running and exercising moderately in early June.  As the weight came off, the exercise got easier and I wanted to push myself further.  My business partner, Michelle decided to host a Weekend of Wins for women who wanted to run a 5k or a half marathon. I said YES!

In July, we started training for our half marathon.  We meet up on Saturday mornings and run together at a local park.  These runs started small and have built up to 10 and 11 mile walk/runs.

In addition to running twice a week, I enjoy body combat, spinning classes and cross training at the gym.

I competed in my first 5K two weeks ago and won the female “Masters” Division with a time of 28:03.

This race was an opportunity to get some practice in racing before my half marathon, which is taking place on Sunday, November 18th in St. Petersburg.

I am so blown away by my passion to exercise and thank God for a healthy body every day.

I thank Him also for friends who give me the push I need to dig deeper and move forward in every area of my life.  What an inspiration to train with amazing friends.

I can’t wait to cross the finish line with each of you!

Thanks also to all my friends and family who have cheered me on along the way.  Your encouragement has been extraordinary and so rewarding.

STAY TUNED as I share my experience from my Half-Marathon race weekend on November 23rd.

Do you have a WIN or a STRUGGLE you would like to share?  We would love to hear from you.

I would LOVE to support you in achieving your health and wellness goals.   Please contact me @tammy@everydaylifeline.com

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Dear Partner in Crime, Tammy Werthem (@Positively Alene)

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To my Partner in Crime:

I wish I never met you.  Maybe then, my life would not have been turned upside down.

Our meeting was like a magnetic force, which could not be broken.  You charmed the socks and the rest of my clothes right off of me. Maybe if I had not been in a manic episode, I would have had some restraint. Probably not!

You were beautiful, charming, dynamic and completely deceptive.

When I told you I was pregnant,

it was like your life was over. I wanted you more than anything. I wished the same was true for you – in wanting me.  I wanted to believe you wanted me too.

You wanted an end to this problem. It did not matter to you that this went against my personal and spiritual convictions. Impulsive and reckless, you convinced me this was ouronly out.

I’d already given you my heart and body. I wanted to please you.

I wanted you to love me.

But instead, you drove me to the clinic. You financed the abortion. I elected to be completely anesthetized, in hopes that I might not remember the pain of killing our unborn child.

You “held” me after it was over.  You nursed my wounds but you would never again have my heart. No one would for a long time.

We put an end to the possibility of life: our could have been, our should have been will never be. I blamed you for putting an end to my ability to give or receive love.

I will never forget the moment I woke up and realized this nightmare was real. 

I told God he could never forgive me.  I turned my back on Him and you became my god. I gave myself to you for three more years. I gave myself in hopes that we could create something good from our mess.  Even though I wouldn’t let you hold my heart, at least I wasn’t alone.

I was wrong. 

You never really loved me. You were incapable of loving anyone but yourself. I blamed you for my month long stay in the mental hospital.  I blamed you for my addiction to crack cocaine. I blamed you for every bad thing that happened in my life for years that followed.

It was not your fault. 

It was the enemy, who seeks to kill, steal and destroy. He almost had me but God’s grace is endless.  His grace covered me; it covers you too. I forgave you and I forgave myself.  I received HIS full forgiveness.

I am healed today.

I am whole. I named our baby and held a memorial service for her. Her name is Savannah. I let God love me again; he never stopped pursuing me.  Today, I lead other women into their complete healing in Christ, including the wounds from being post-abortive.

God really does make beauty from ashes.

My life is living proof. I am a mother today and this fills my life with joy. I have four children. I will meet our daughter someday and I hope you are there too!

I hope someone in your life has loved you enough to lead you out of your pain to the merciful heart of Jesus.

Thanks to Alene for the opportunity to share this letter on your amazing blog!  Blessings, Tammy

http://www.positivelyalene.com/dear-partner-in-crime/

31 days of anonymity {day 13 – dear partner in crime

by Positively Alene ••• Filed Under: 31 days of anonymity

Go visit Alene and share your story!

What can you learn from the value of sharing your story?  Some would say, why revisit the past?  We say, walk through it, with Jesus, and He will get you to see – this is just how much I love you!  Comments? 

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