Take Root and Write

Taking Care of "Man's Best Friend"

Approximately 63% of US households owns a pet. Approximately 39% of households have at least one dog, and 34% have at least one cat.

Animals are a definite mainstay of American life, and for many, the family dog or cat is just like another family member. Pets, for many, provide companionship, acceptance, and unconditional love. The well-being of the family pet is a priority in many households,  thus when the pet owner needs to be away from their pet for a period of time, finding someone to lovingly care for that pet is very important. Thus the pet-sitting business has provided an answer to this need, but to  people like Catherine Terry, it's not just a business, it's a ministry.

Joan: Catherine, ow did you get started with pet-sitting?

Catherine: A year or so ago, our family returned to the US from living in the United Kingdom for several years. With the current state of employment, I found that my age and inactivity in the job market created a hindrance for me. After being told that in several different ways, I sat down and evaluated things, asking myself what skills did I have that I might be able to use. 

I love taking care of our home and have professionally cared for seniors and children before. I love animals and love caring for them, so I decided this time around I would concentrate on pets.
God certainly had His hand in this. Upon placing an ad in one of our local papers, I was thrilled to actually get a response. The woman invited me over to me her two dogs. Her Sheltie was customarily shy of people, particularly strangers. However, when I sat down, she came to me and let me love her. The woman was pleasantly surprised. And that's how it all started.  Through this woman, I have acquired most of my business.

Got Boys?

 Melanie Young recounts an incident that was one of her defining moments in understanding boys and their behavior.
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"I will never forget one day many years ago when we stopped on a long road trip to visit old friends. Our oldest, then about six, piled out of the van, yelled hello at his friends, and in just a jiffy was rolling around on the ground wrestling with them. I couldn't understand it! I shouted for my husband, "Hal, Hal! What are they doing? Is this normal behavior for boys?' He reassured me that it was. I then began to realize that there were things going on here that were foreign to me!"

Six sons and years later, Melanie has gained much knowledge from her experiences in raising boys, and now with her husband Hal, have a ministry to help others with their sons. 

Joan: Melanie, tell us how you started in your  ministry to others raising boys.

Melanie: God has blessed us with six sons and two little girls- who are the youngest. The Lord has driven us to His Word and to wise counsel again and again as we've discipled our children. Over the years, we've studied the Word of God, books on boys, and lots of very old books that describe boyhood in earlier days and we've come to the conclusion that boys are different because they are made to be - and that's a good thing!

Several years ago, someone asked us to do a workshop on raising boys at a homeschool conference. We were surprised to find a standing-room-only crowd waiting for us. The Lord greatly blessed our talk that day and every time we have spoken on this topic since the room has been packed out. It became obvious to us that there is a desperation among God's people to know what to do with their boys.

Joan: What do you see is a problem in our society with raising boys today?

Melanie: Our culture is very confused about gender. Too often, we only value women when they act like men and men when they act like women. Our boys are growing up in a society that doesn't value the masculine characteristics that God has designed into them. Can you imagine growing up knowing your parents and teachers wanted you to be different than you are? Boys today need to know what God has made them to be and they need to be taught how to submit their masculine characteristics to God.

Building on Things that Count: Helping Homeschools Thrive

 According to statistics from  National Home Education Research Institute, there are about 2 million children being home-schooled in the United States, and the numbers are expected to increase as more parents want to have more input in their child's education. Some of the common reasons  parents home-educate their children is to be able to teach them their own set of values, provide a safer environment, and customize the learning atmosphere for their child.

Current research shows that typically children who are home-schooled, on average, score higher on standardized academic achievement tests than students of the public education system.  A good home education system is not accidental; there are various pieces that must be in place for success.

Our interview this segment is with Carol Topp, CPA, whose ministry provides one of the vital pieces that help home schools thrive.

Joan:  Welcome Carol! Tell about your ministry to homeschooling families. We know there must be  challenges to getting a home school up and running, so where do you come in and how do you help them?

Carol: My ministry is to homeschool leaders-those who homeschool their own children and also lead groups such as support groups, co-ops, sports and arts programs.

Leaders face several challenges in organizing groups, running them, dealing with money, people and programs. I offer articles on many areas including setting up as a nonprofit organization, opening a checking account, writing bylaws, paying workers, conflict resolution, and insurance for homeschool groups.  I also have several workshops that I conduct for homeschool leaders at conventions and I have written four books to help leaders with money management, paying workers, and obtaining 501c3 tax exempt status including Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out. I also maintain a blog at my website HomeschoolCPA.com to answer questions from homeschool leaders.

Dancing Upon Barren Land - Hope for Infertility

The road to motherhood is not always an easy one. For some women, the journey is fraught with frustration, disappointment, and pain as they face obstacles to conceiving and bearing children.

Our spotlight this week features Lesli Westfall, a woman familiar with that journey, who began a Christian online support ministry for fertility-challenged women--providing inspiration and support. We talk to her today about her ministry Dancing Upon Barren Land - Spiritual Nourishment for the Infertility Road.

Joan: Thank you Leslie, for sharing with us! First, I would like to say your website is so beautiful and encouraging! Tell us what the purpose of your ministry is.

Lesli: Thank you! The purpose  is to provide an online Christian ministry for those who are fertility-challenged; women or couples. Not only is it for those who are experiencing difficulty, but for their loved ones and/or ministry leaders as well, providing education and tools to support those desiring to grow their family.

Joan: So the information you provide also encompasses a woman's circle of family and friends. Wonderful.What do you offer  those who come to you?

Lesli: There are different pages among the site that one can explore.  Infertility Etiquette gives family, friends, ministry leaders and even husbands ways on how to respond to one going through infertility, fertility treatments or loss.  The Prayer Page takes into account every emotion and challenge along the way and offers a prayer supported by scripture to pray for yourself or a loved one.  The Resource Page   includes a listing of books and support organizations along with direction on how to find a support group in the U.S.A, United Kingdom and Asia. Coming soon there will be a Devotional Page to bring hope and encouragement.

Raising a Voice of Victory!

Our interview this week is with Brooks J. Young, a dynamic young woman who is the Executive Director  of Touching Heart Ministry, a faith-based, non-profit organization with the mission to restore faith and build hope in women of all ages. She is also an author, hosts her own radio show, and is the Editor-in-Chief of the recently launched online magazine, Victorious Magazine.

Joan: Brooks, first I must say you have an interesting name. Would you mind sharing how you came to be named Brooks?

Brooks: Yes, it is unusual. My great-aunt was given the privilege of naming me. Before I was born she declared that I would preach the Gospel and bring souls to Christ.  She said she was sitting in her room in prayer and the name came to her but when God gave it to her it had an "s". My mother and father approved.

Joan: Yes, God will do things like that, I believe, to set a distinctive mark for His purposes. Well, tell us about Touching Heart Ministry

Brooks: Touching Heart is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to helping women help themselves. We offer programs and services to restore, rebuild and renew the lives of young and adult women. The women who come to our organization are looking for spiritual, physical and/or emotional healing. At Touching Heart, we believe God has provided us the opportunity to fulfill their needs through encouraging women to seek their purpose and find themselves, learning their true value in the process.

Joan: How/where did you get the vision for your Touching Heart Ministry?

Brooks: The vision came from God when I was in a hard place in my life. Five years ago,I was going through a divorce and illness.  I had no desire to live. I wanted to die - fast, quick and in a hurry. I am so glad it was just a passing thought because I would have missed out on all opportunities that God presents to me daily.

A Special Lady for Special Needs

Being the parent of a child with special learning and physical needs can be quite challenging on many fronts. One thing that can be particularly frustrating to parents seeking assistance for their child, is finding professionals that can truly empathize with their situation on a personal level. 

This week's interview is with a woman who not only works with parents of children with special needs and challenges-- she has first hand experience as the parent of a child with learning and physical challenges. Meet Laura Parker-Founder and Director of Hands on Learning Solutions.

Joan: Laura, tell us a little about what you do.

Laura: I work with children with special needs and learning challenges, including learning disabilities. I use a wide variety of neuro-developmental therapies to bring about improvements in symptoms and challenges. I also do testing and screening for reading, writing, dyslexia, auditory processing, visual processing, memory, neuro-reflexes, logic  & reasoning.

Joan: Wow, sounds like you are a wealth of resources for parents of children with learning challenges. And--you have a couple of things that set you apart from most other therapists/teachers.

Laura: Yes. The first thing is that I have personally experienced what it is like to have a child with disabilities, and I can relate to the parents. No amount of education can teach you what it's like to have the disability, or to parent a child with a disability. So many of the families I meet feel a connection and know that I know what it's like on a day to day basis to live with the challenge.
The second thing I've discovered in working with my own child is that when interventions are integrated, done at the same time in the sequence of development, the gains are much larger and quicker. Most therapists specialize in one intervention, but I have training in multiple areas.

It's All About Him part 2

Welcome back to our chat with Lori Brock... mom to ten amazing children and wife to a pastor and a chaplain in the military!

Shirley : Through the years, money has been tight for your family. You have a gift for wisely using money and stretching pennies. Many are really struggling right now. What advice and tips can you give us?

Lori : Stay out of debt, or get out of debt. Be careful what you value. Be willing to wait and wait some  more. Be a faithful steward, and pray in confidence that the Lord would show you the money saving or making opportunities available to you, or simply provide for your specific needs. Shop at used clothing stores. Reconsider what your real needs are. Cook from scratch. Be creative—think outside the box. Use the internet to research frugal ways to do things—there is so much information available. Try to spend money on things that have a return, like gardening. Some things can be planted once and then harvested for years with just some maintenance. Don’t live for other’s opinions.

Shirley : What are the struggles and rewards of being a pastor’s/soldier’s wife?

Lori : The struggles for me are time issues, doing what I fear (public speaking), feeling like I don’t measure up to what I should be in my position, sharing my husband at all hours of the day, and the difficult and inconvenient job of helping my husband with his studying or writing.

The rewards have been having a life that is centered on serving the Lord, the joy of seeing God work in people’s lives, being ministered to by my own husband, having a husband who works from home and is often available during the day for family needs or activities, the positive effect that his ministries have had on our children, and the privilege of being able to assist my husband in his work.

Shirley : I know that the training has taken Doug away for long and short periods of time. Tell us about that time.

Lori : The longest separation we have experienced was three months. During that time we were able to communicate daily through telephone and internet conversations. Obviously, that was a bit easier than a year long tour in Iraq would be. We did experience the pain of missing one another even in that circumstance, but we learned some things through it that might help during a longer separation.

My main personal challenge was having to handle all of life’s stuff without my husband’s assistance. Fortunately, I had prepared for that by doing more and more of it before he left, and our friends were supportive and helpful, eagerly looking for things to do to assist me. Additionally, my kids were incredibly helpful. That's when they learned to take over most of the housekeeping, food preparation, and child care. They did that to allow me time to handle the paperwork, errands, doctors’ appointments, infant care, and homeschooling. The kids and I had fun together, bonding in a way that we hadn’t before because of the unusual circumstance. Doug was very warmly received by the children when he got home, with the one exception of our six month old baby who no longer knew him. I am glad to say that my husband was prepared for that, and patiently waited for Teddy to warm up to him again.

Shirley : You've had some miscarriages and even lost a baby shortly after birth. How did God use that time in your life?

Lori : He drew me closer to Himself as well as to my husband. He let me see how strong He could be for me as I trusted Him and was thankful. I learned what it meant to rejoice in the middle of a painful, frightening circumstance. My cup overflowed with awareness of how awesome and good God is, even as I grieved. My children benefited from experiencing the reality of death, and the effects of the sin cursed world within the framework of their own relationship with God and their family’s confidence in His goodness. Also, they are extra thankful when we have a baby.

Shirley : How can we, as laymen in churches, reach out and help our pastor’s wives and wives of servicemen?

Lori : Love them. Be real with them. Let them be real with you. Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” think about what you can offer and say, “I’d like to do such and such for you if that would be okay. When would be a good time?” I have friends who do this and I am very comfortable calling them with other needs as well, whereas with those who make a general offer I am uncomfortable asking. The thing that has made the biggest difference to me is feeling that people are supportive and loving, and not looking on in criticism of one thing or another. Pastor’s wives are not people who have arrived; we have character flaws and struggles like anyone else. It is heartwarming to know that that is understood and accepted. I think that the wives of servicemen often deal with things that no one else can easily understand. Therefore, much humility and sensitivity are in order. But, don’t let the fear of saying or doing the wrong thing keep you from reaching out.

Shirley : Thank you for taking time to share with us, Lori! I know that your wise advice will be helpful and your words will encourage hearts!

You write it! She rights it!

How many of you-- write articles and/or books? have websites? ever have a need to draft a winning   resume? 

These are just a few places where your thoughts and ideas translate into words that need to relay important information to your particular audience. These are the moments when your work needs to reflect excellence, as these are opportune times to shine and convey your professionalism, the times where you may not get a second chance at that first impression, times when it's important to have someone edit your work.

Our ministry spotlight person today is someone that can help you make that good impression.Meet Carla Ives, Editor, who helps your written work be the best that it can be. Carla has a delightful, quick-witted personality and is an easy person to converse with. We talked about her 'gifting' of eagle eyes and of that inner ear that can hear and help you convey the heart-message of your written word.

Joan: Carla, tell us what you do and a little background on how you discovered your gift.

Carla: (laughing) Well, I call myself a 'Purveyor of  Fine Words.' Fancy way to say that I am in love with language, expression and presentation!  I'm not sure exactly when I discovered this "gift."  As a child, I read everything I could get my hands on. I practically lived at the library. Good spelling has always been instinctive with me. I won every spelling bee I ever entered. I guess it naturally flowed that I would "learn" to spot things. I've been proofing and editing for over 15 years now.  I "formally" turned it into a business two years ago.

Joan:  You've had battles with your keen sensitivity to words and writing. Will you share on that?

Carla:  I would be reading an excellent book and, all of a sudden, it would be. . . "Hey, that's not correct!" As a high school student, I have to admit to developing into a bit of a word/grammar snob.  A few of these glaring mistakes and I wouldn't even finish the book.  I even went so far as to write the authors.  Some of them gave me the courtesy of a reply, usually blaming their editors.  :)  Some of them replied in a "not-so-nice" manner.  Most never took the time to reply, but, still, I wrote.  At that point, I wasn't so sure it was a gift.  Most of the authors were not too fond of me (HAH!) and my school chums hated me for winning all the contests.  Nobody liked hearing they made a mistake.

However, I just read on, and, of course, the maturing process of life helped get rid of the snobbishness. I now just have the heart to serve and help others be the best they can be with their written work.

Now let me say I'm far from perfect.  I do strive to continually hone my craft, but things DO get by me.  Still, typos and grammar oopsies just seem to jump off the page at me when others write them.  My own work? Not so often. This is one of the reasons I say you should NEVER proof/edit your own work, if you can avoid it. You know what it's supposed to say and you will read right over what it actually DOES say without noticing it.  If you DO have to proof your own work, let it sit at least 72 hours before reading.  It will make a big difference!

 Joan: What is the difference between an editor and a proofreader?
    
 Carla: Good question!  I get asked this a lot.  A proofreader reads with an eye for spelling and grammar mistakes in an attempt to achieve a technically-correct manuscript. The proofreader corrects technicalities, but makes no actual changes or suggestions to the author unless it is about the use of a more technically correct word. 

Notice how I'm overusing forms of "technical" here?  I want to emphasize that proofreading is nuts and bolts reading.  Editing, on the other hand, encompasses proofreading; however, the editor makes suggestions to the author on how to strengthen, clarify and focus the author's work.  When I edit, I proof and suggest, all the while doing my best to keep the author's style and tone intact.  Again, my aim as an editor is to strengthen, clarify and focus the author's ideas, NOT change the work.

Joan:  We know presentation is SO important, in person, in print, on the web. Do you find resistance where, perhaps, people don't think they need an editor for their work?

Carla: Yes, I often find resistance to editing.  Why?  I think it comes in two basic forms.  One, people simply do not think they need this type of service.  A lot of people simply do not know they are making mistakes that will impact the reception of their work. Therefore, they don't recognize their need for an editor.

Secondly, I think people feel that it simply doesn't matter. They feel that everyone makes mistakes and it is perfectly acceptable, especially in this age of internet communication when the language has been abbreviated into a collection of acronyms and symbols.  The increasing use of texting as a main form of communication further abbreviates this into an art form, how to get the most language into the fewest actual characters!  Everyone seems to be on a Twitter mission. . . say it in 140 characters or less!

Let's take job applications. In today's economy, there are oftentimes upwards of 50 applications for one part-time job!  The first ones to be weeded out will be the ones with obvious mistakes in them. The screener will then look for something that makes the application stand out. The best way to do this is with a professional presentation. Appearance and presentation DO count, even in today's world, maybe not so much in emails and text messages, but when you want to make an impact, they are vital aspects of your presence.

 Joan: Carla's business is A Word Aptly Written. Let her help you shine, while you take time time to smell the roses!

Ministry Spotlight : It's All About Him (pt 1)

Today I want to introduce you to Lori Brock. I met her about fifteen years ago and the more I know her the more I love her. She is a pastor's wife and a homeschooling mom of ten amazing children. Her husband, Doug, is also a chaplain in the Army National Guard.

Shirley : Lori, welcome to Christian Women Take Root! You are a busy lady. How do you run a household of ten children, homeschool, and be a pastor's wife?

Lori : Hi Shirley, thanks for inviting me. I'm honored! You've asked a whopper of question, but the very same one I always want others to answer for me. I'm only too aware of how far short I fall of really doing things God’s way, so I'm somewhat uncomfortable with the position of teacher. The bottom line is really... the grace of God... His continual grace toward me, my husband, and our children. No external practices could make us truly successful.

With that said, there are some principles that have made a big difference for us. God first, second, and last. It’s all about Him. Disciple the children so that they love God, have godly character and godly desires. Ultimately, everyone in our home has the same values, goals, and attitudes. We just all have different strengths and weaknesses. This gives us an amazing unity

that makes everything go smoother. Homeschooling has been a help to running a home of ten children because we don’t have to do a lot of running around, we don’t compete with many outside interests or values, and the older children are able to help around the house and with the younger children. They really enjoy each others company which makes everything go better. (Not that they always get along!)

Homemaking 9-1-1! Help is on the Way!

 
Could you use some encouragement in the areas of keeping your home together, or being a godly wife and/or mother?  Have you ever felt overwhelmed or frustrated in these areas? Well that's an area of expertise for Malia Russell, the director of Homemaking 9-1-1.  Help is on the way!

Malia's ministry is to homemaking women, and her "home" on the web is meant to encourage and give resources to help in many aspects of home management, home education, being a godly wife and mother, and becoming the type of woman God is calling you to be. Her website is a chock-full of helpful articles covering home management, parenting, homeschooling, and inspiration.

Joan: Malia, share with us where you got the inspiration to start Homemaking 911?

Malia:  This ministry was born out of my own experiences. I left the corporate world to be a full time mother and home maker in 2000. I immediately became aware of my own inadequacies as a wife, mother and manager of my home.  In desperation, I called out to the Lord, read God's word, read every book the library had on home management, and spoke to many women about all the aspects of home making, home management, and eventually homeschooling as well.  As I embarked on this new phase of life, I wanted to be thoroughly equipped.  In doing so, I gained a lot of experience and wisdom from others that I love to share with my readers.

Joan: I understand that making that transition from corporate world to full-time mother and home maker can be a challenge. You have quite a few articles and downloads available to help with many aspects of home management.

Malia: Yes, some of it is purely practical.  Some of it is inspirational, and some of it is just the sharing of my thoughts with my readers.

Joan: By the way,  I'm going to have to try that recipe you have for blueberry banana bread under your home management section. Sounds yummy!  Is your site geared mostly to stay-at-home moms, or is it for women in general?

Ministry Spotlight : Labor Of Love

Shirley : Michelle Chartier is the coordinator of Event Horizon Planning in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I have been so blessed by her ministry and wish everyone had this awesome program available to them! Michelle, tell us about Event Horizon Planning.

Michelle : It's a volunteer run company that provides field trips and lessons for it's subscribers; most but not all are exclusive for Manitoba homeschoolers. Families subscribe to Event Horizon Planning for a small fee which helps defray the costs of running an incorporated and insured business. Field trips, lessons, and events are offered at the best possible price to subscribers. The costs range from free to more expensive... such as weekend retreats and ski trips.

This company is a labor of love, brought about because of necessity. I'm doing my small part to fulfill a need for a wonderful group of people and I'm continually thankful to God that I'm able to enrich the lives of homeschooled families while doing something I enjoy.

Shirley : What made you start Event Horizon Planning? It's such a creative and helpful service to homeschoolers!

Start a Successful Home Business with the Support You Need!

God has given each of us talents and gifts that we can use to trade for the money, goods, and
services that we need to help sustain us and our families. Throughout time, women have always
used their individual talents in their own ventures-- either to sell use for barter. However, with the
onset of the industrial revolution, more and more people became employees of someone else,
which subdued,somewhat, that drive to have one's own venture. The security of a paycheck has
provided comfort to many. We now face uncertain economic times where job security is no longer--secure. Many are re-positioning themselves to take the risk to get out and use the gifts God has
given to start their own home businesses. But as guidance may be needed to move ahead, where
do they start?

Meet Laurie Neumann, a business coach whose passion is to help others find the right type of home business that fits their interests, gifts, and lifestyles.

Joan: Laurie, to start, tell us about your own home businesses.

Laurie: I started out owning an online Christian bookstore. I loved it!  I owned it for about a year, however, then the company ran into some financial problems and had to temporarily shut down.  At that time, I started my current business, a home business website.  I started it because, as I was looking for home business opportunities, I realized there was so much information out there, and much of it was scams. I wanted to help people avoid those and provide a place where people could come, relax, and find legitimate solutions.

Joan: So through this, you found you really enjoyed helping people find a home business suitable
for them? And is that why you became a Certified Biblical Coach?

Laurie: Yes. I received certification through the Biblical Coaching Academy, where we use coaching principles grounded in the Word.

Spotlight on the Ministry of Mentoring

 

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, ...to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. (Titus 2:3-5, NIV)

This weeks column is a little different, as I'll shine a spotlight on the 'behind-the-scenes' ministry that all of us as women can, and should be, participating in---that of giving counsel and guidance to younger women. Summed in one word--mentoring.

Some of you may be thinking  "What! I need counsel and guidance myself!," or "I'm not old enough," or "What do I have to offer in this area?" Each of us has something we can impart into the life of a girl or younger woman. In looking at the scripture in Titus, we can also translate that to a more mature woman teaching a less mature woman, and this maturity is related more to experience than age. However, for the sake of simplicity, and to expound an area that's personally dear to my heart, I will relate this to the mentoring of adolescent girls and young women. In addition to encouraging you to reach out more to girls and young women in your community, neighborhood, and church, I will also share some practical ways to do that.

The Why

There's an enemy out to steal, kill, and destroy, not only the heart and soul of our girls, but also the God-designed purpose and destiny of each one. We live in a media-saturated culture which is loud and blatantly 'in your face' with values that run contrary to God's word and values that we, as believers, should uphold. This culture promotes beauty and body obsessions, sex without commitment, self-gratification, and is deficit in morals and character. We live in an age where girls are enticed into being "sexy", thin, and 'beautiful', at increasingly younger ages, by the standards set by the culture. Standards which are unattainable and unrealistic. In this world, girls face intense social pressures to blend in, and documented research shows that this pressure has been a major contributing factor in increases of damaging and negative behaviors such as eating disorders, self-injury, premarital sex, and substance abuse (to name a few). 

Ministry Spotlight : A Mommy Mission

So many women live their busy lives not realizing the impact they have on those around them. This week I am interviewing Karlene Jacobsen. She's a wife and a mom of four. She homeschools, writes, and helps out at church. Is she a woman in ministry? Read on and see what you think!

Shirley : You don't have a formal position or title, but do you see yourself as a woman in ministry, Karlene?

Karlene : Had you asked me that a year or two ago, I would've said, "No Way!"... but something happened between the Lord and me and I now see that I am raising the leaders of tomorrow. Proverbs tells me to teach (train) my children in the way they should go, when they are old they won't depart from it.

That is a promise from God... a truth I can bank on. I believe that what I do now affects them tomorrow. Yes... this is a ministry. Just as a pastor is a shepherd.. we as parents as pastors and shepherds in our own homes. We minister to these precious young men and women everyday. It's our responsibility to help them learn to choose between the high standard God sets and the temptation the world offers.

Shirley : How do you deal with discouraging and disparaging reactions to being a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom?

Karlene : I used to work in a doctor's office until HE asked me to leave the job and teach my children from home. I've actually had people inform me that God doesn't tell people that. People don't always see the benefits of homeschooling. Some feel threatened because I don't conform... or they feel superior because their child is getting a "proper" education. One person actually accused me of not teaching my son to read and tried to cause trouble.

It's really not about making it into a contest or race to see which child learns the most... it should be a daily adventure to guide our children safely to their destination. Here on earth... the purpose God has for them... and eventually... eternity with God.

Beauty by Design

 

Girls today face intense societal pressures to adapt to what our media-driven culture defines as acceptable female beauty--as it delivers images that are unattainable and unrealistic, yet tempting
and dangerous as a siren's song. Copious research warns of the negative effects this has on the self-esteem and self-efficacy of girls (and women), as they strive to blend in and fit what the mainstream culture  defines as beautiful and desirous.

Our interview today is with Alyssa Avant, a young woman who uses fun-filled events and the word of God to help girls discover, and become comfortable with, their own individual beauty as a uniquely designed creation of a
loving, heavenly Father.

Joan: Alyssa, the name of your ministry is Beauty by
Design. Please share the purpose of it.

Alyssa: The mission is to to turn girls' hearts to God and
to show them how to reject worldly values and look to God for affirmation and validation. I want to inspire girls and young women to embrace their individuality and true,God-given beauty.

Joan: I think many would agree that we have a problem with how society defines beauty, and
there needs to be counters to the unrealistic images girls and women are bombarded with daily
through advertising, television,fashion/teen magazines, etc. What prompted you to start this
ministry?

Alyssa: I was prompted to start this ministry after seeing so many girls so strongly
influenced by society concerning their own personal beauty, fashion and self-esteem.
I wanted to share how if you can see yourself as God sees you, that you will see your
TRUE self as God created you, and that person is "truly beautiful".

Joan: Did you find yourself influenced by these same issues, and if so, how? Can you
share any of your own struggles with self-acceptance and seeing yourself as how God sees
you?

Alyssa: Oh I was definitely influenced by those same societal issues as a teen and it was
my own mom who helped me to begin to see differently. She,  my youth director, my church,
and the Bible studies I was a part of began to influence me and turn me around to see that I
was "truly beautiful" in God's eyes and that it was "right" to be different from the world.
I struggled with fitting in, not dressing like everyone else, being influenced by their
participation in sex, etc, people assuming that I was having sex with my boyfriend because
we dated for a long time, when I wasn't having sex with him. All of these things weighed
me down.

Joan: It's so good you had such a system in place with your mom, church, etc., and that now
 you are providing a means for girls to receive that needed affirmation and support. Girls today
need  strong support systems to help them reject worldly views that undermine their self-worth. 
What are the topics that you speak on, and what is your most requested topic?

Alyssa: I speak on Beauty, Modesty, Etiquette, Fashion and Prayer. My most requested
topic is Beauty.

Ministry Spotlight : Down Under With Deb

This week's interview is with Deborah Porter from FaithWriters.com. She lives Down Under... in Australia!

Shirley : Deb, tell us a little about yourself and your family.

Deb : Well, I just turned 48 (the countdown to 50 is well and truly underway), and I've been married to Steve for 26 years. We have two adult children and a dear little miniature Fox Terrier. We live on the western outskirts of the Sydney metropolitan area, right at the base of the beautiful Blue Mountains.

I do the admin for our garden maintenance business as well as the work I do for FaithWriters and my own business, Finesse Writing and Editing Service. I'm about to start a publishing service as well, Breath of Fresh Air Press, which is a perfect fit with FaithWriters and Finesse. I also have a one hour program each week on a Western Sydney radio station, so it all keeps me very busy. I've been incredibly blessed by the way God has opened doors at just the right time.

Most important of all, I've been a Christian for 25 years and truly do live each day knowing that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength - and through His strength alone. He is my rock and my reason for everything.

Shirley : That's so awesome. Tell us about what it's like to live Down Under!

 Deb : They call Australia "The Lucky Country," but I prefer to think of it as incredibly blessed. It's a country rich in resources and opportunities for anyone willing to have a go. Aussies are, by nature, very laid back and easy going about most things. When we're asked to do something, the most common response is "No worries." This laid back attitude is not always so great though,

Grace Talk Soup - JoJo Tabares

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought
to answer everyone" (Colossians 4:6NIV).

God definitely has a sense of humor!  How else could a painfully shy
agnostic girl, raised by two atheists of Jewish heritage, become a
follower of Jesus Christ and a mouthpiece for effective communication
to win others to Him?

Meet JoJo Tabares, host of the weekly radio show Grace Talk Soup,
where you find her ‘Serving up God’s Word with a side order of grace
and humor.'

Passionate about sharing God's word, and doing so with grace and
respect, JoJo is a communication expert with a degree in Speech Communication. An author and speaker, (and self-professed goofball),
she writes Christian communication curriculum and material.

Grace Talk Soup is just one of her ministry outreaches to help Christians become more
 effective communicators for Jesus, and we learn more about it, and her, in this interview.

Joan: Why did you start Grace Talk Soup and what is its purpose?

JoJo: I started Grace Talk Soup to share my philosophy of sharing and defending the
faith in grace and with respect,and to give Christians a safety net, a place to learn how
to feel more comfortable with God’s Word and in sharing it with unbelievers.  I also share
how important it is to understand that God didn’t make Cookie-Cutter-People who respond
to a one-size-fits-all approach to evangelism.  These issues are exactly why more
effective communication is needed these daysto share and defend the faith.  Some
Christians are afraid to share for fear of being called intolerant.  Some are too bold
and they can turn a soul away from the Lord. I’ve seen the results of that in my own family.

Ministry Spotlight : Marita's Heart Music

Today we are speaking with Marita Thelander... a fun and feisty lady who is serious about chocolate, friends, coffee, and most importantly... following God's will!

Shirley: Tell us about who you are, Marita. Basic facts, ma'am!

Marita: Basic facts, huh? I guess I could start with the fact that I am married to a minister, hence the title of pastor's wife. Just in case anyone missed that little tidbit. I have three adult children, two of which are married and have blessed me with grand-babies. Five in total!

Shirley: Awww.. I know you love being a grandma! And I know there has been a lot of stretching for you in the last few years. What were you doing previously and why did that change?

Marita: We have been in ministry for twenty-four years, sixteen of those years as Senior Pastors of several small churches. Honestly, we were burned out pretty bad. I hit rock bottom emotionally and had been diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.) I look back on those days and I don’t even recognize that woman anymore. We took a break from being pastors for two and a half years and went on the road as evangelists. The economy had a large role in directing us back to pastoral ministry, but we know ultimately, God directed us. Currently we've accepted a new pastorate in Randle, Washington. It's a small mountain community situated in the middle of three volcanoes, Mt.Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens. The people are awesome and we sense great things to come.

Shirley: Last year you went through some very hard things and saw God do some amazing stuff. Do tell! 

Ministry Spotlight; It's The Little Things ~ Vanessa Walker

Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me Matthew 25:40

Our Ministry Spotlight woman this week is Vanessa Walker, who not only serves as a personal assistant to her pastor, Diane Gardner of Diane Gardner Ministries,Intl., but serves others in her church and community as well.  When asked what the word "'ministry" means to her, she said "Ministry is putting the well-being of others before self; leading people to Christ and letting them know that God wants to set them free to have a better life fulfilling His purpose for them."

In serving as a personal assistant, Vanessa does the "little"' things that helps Rev. Gardner facilitate her busy pastoral schedule.
She will do the housework, laundry, and dishes, and help the pastor pack for her trips.  When visiting ministers come, they are greeted with a beautifully arranged refreshment basket of goodies that Vanessa puts together.

When I was hungry, you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in

For over 25 years, Vanessa and Louis, her husband of 30 years, opened their home every Thanksgiving for people who either didn't have family,or their families lived far from them, to come and have Thanksgiving with them. In addition to preparing loads of traditional Thanksgiving fare, they would move their regular  living room furniture out for this day and  set up  folding tables and chairs banquet-style in their  place. As transplants from New York to California, the Walkers knew what it was like to be without family  during the holidays. So they made family of, and extended hospitality to,-- co-workers, neighbors, friends of friends,-- "whosoever will, let them come."

Intro: Ministry Spotlight

There are women out there giving so much of themselves, through time, energy and heart to other women through ministry. We are going to meet them and learn about their ministry. Sometimes will be in interview form. It will always bless you and my prayer is that it always Inspires you! You will see the many ways, you might not be so familiar with that God can use you too!

By, Shirley McClay & Joan Rudder

Column Posted weekly on Friday
1st & 3rd Friday's by Joan and then on the 2nd & 4th Friday's by Shirley