A Disney Kind of Love?

This post is dear to my heart. In it I share an event that took placce early in my marriage that radically changed the way I experience God's love for me. His love is extravagent, lavish and unique. I hope you'll get a sense of that for yourself as you read and subscribe.

Ultimately, God’s Word is THE authority on His fathomless love for us. Not feelings, emotions or circumstances…but occasionally He does something special just for us to communicate that we are His beloved. This is one example of how He’s done that in my life. Today…look expectantly for God to lavish His love on you. He’s waiting…And anything He might ask you to lay down is worth it for this kind of love…

Take a moment and listen to A Whole New World. In case you don't know, it's the theme song to the Disney Movie, Alladin. Listen now...

Sometimes the things the Lord uses to pursue us are strange and don't fit our preconceived notions about religion.

That's what this song is to me…an example of how it feels to be loved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords…the lover of my soul. I love how He loves me! Allow me to share…

Seven years ago, newly married and experiencing a time of exponential growth in the Lord (marriage will do that to you, right?) I attended a service at the little church my husband and I were currently calling home. During a time of prayer some of my friends laid hands on me and prayed for the Lord to pour a specific gifting into me…And simply because He chose to, the Lord answered that prayer and began training me in that gifting.

At first I didn't know what to think about it. I was unsure about how to walk in what I was experiencing, unsure why the Lord would chose to give it to me (or reveal to me that I had it depending on how you look at it), and humbled beyond belief that He had.

One day I was in the shower (yes ladies I get my major revelations either in the shower or while brushing my teeth) praying and feeling overwhelmed and humbled and excited all at the same time. I have to admit that a big part of me was questioning whether or not God could really be doing this in my life. Who was I that He would choose me? I’m just a little girl from a one-stoplight town in the middle of nowhere. Surely I was dreaming…

...but as I stood there in the shower pondering these things a song began to form in my head...



I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid.
Tell me Princess now when did you last let your heart decide?

And it was as if the very voice of the Lord was speaking to me in that moment, calling me out to trust Him in a new adventure…to give Him full access to my heart…

I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder.
Over sideways and under on a magic carpet ride.

Wooing me, reaching for my hands and saying, "Trust me my Princess...I love you."

A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view.

"I want to show you the world from a perspective you've never seen before."

No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming...

"I'm real...I'm the only truly real, never-changing thing in your life. What do you say Princess?"

A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here, it's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you

The song went on and on in my head. I knew the words by heart even though I hadn’t heard the song since high school. I remember loving this song back then…

...this time though, the Lord was using them to sing me a love song.

I'll be honest. I've actually had a guy sing to me before from a stage in front of an audience. That was pretty amazing, but nothing in comparison to the love I was feeling at that moment from my Heavenly Father telling me He wanted to give me eyes to see His world.

Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feelings
Soring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky

"Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens..." (Psalm 36:5) "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespassses, made us alive..." (Ephesians 2:5)

A Whole new world
A hundred thousand things to see
I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be...

"He brought me to the banqueting table and his banner over me was love." "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good." (Psalm 34:8)

Every turn a surprise
Every moment red letter
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us..." (Ephesians 3:20)

Let me share this whole new world with you...

I pray that you will be persuaded "that neither death, nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). I want you to believe that He loves you enough to speak the language of your heart, to call you out on an exciting journey with Him and show you a whole new world...His world...through His eyes. He offers it to all who will take His hand. Listen to the song again...

"What do you say Princess?"

Let's encourage each other today. How the Lord has loved you better than anyone else?

Dreaming

I wrote this post on our recent family vacation to the beach. There's something about being near large, open bodies of water that just brings me peace and a calm to my soul. I think it's because I relate the power of the water to the power of God. This post explains the longing of my heart to be near the Almighty God. Does it speak to your heart too? If so, subscribe and join me on the journey to a closer walk with Him.


Twenty years ago I sat in this very same spot, at this very same time and dreamed of what was to come.



Life just goes by…almost twelve years old…so fresh, so young, so full of life and just beginning to wonder about the opposite sex. Things would change dramatically for me in just one short year...oh...I remember the heart of that young girl so well.

I just knew I would find love soon…and as I gazed out at the ocean, felt the sand between my toes and the gentle breeze on my face I dreamed of the day that I would have that love here with me…when I could stop just writing his name in the sand and wishing…and instead walk hand-in-hand with him…stopping occasionally to hug and kiss and gaze at the moon reflecting on the water.

I always dream when I’m near the water.

Something about it gives me a sense of deep peace and hope inside. Watching the waves roll in and out…sensing the greatness of the deep...gazing at the ebb and flow of life…I tend to retreat inside of myself…thinking…pondering…dreaming.

I think it’s because the mightiness of the water reminds me of the mightiness of God.

Revelations 1:15 says, “…His voice was like the roar of many waters.”

His voice was like many waters.

God speaks to me often…not out loud…though I believe He can do that if He chooses…but in a still, small voice I hear in my heart that I know that I know that I know…belongs to Him. Like a lover missing the mere sound of the beloved’s voice I long to have that intimate knowledge of Him. The voice of a loved one can, in an instant, bring comfort, deep peace, the joy of familiarity…the joy of being known. I want that with my Savior.

And sometimes…when I hear the waves crash against the sand and think “His voice was like many waters…” I feel it. The strength, the gentleness, the danger, the life lurking beneath…this must be what His voice sounds like.

I listen carefully…full of anticipation and wonder at the mystery of it. Feeling closer than ever to the lover of my soul my eyes close…

...and I dream.

What brings you close to the heart of the Father?

A Lady in Waiting

This is another one of my favorites. Originally posted several months ago it expresses the heart cry of a parent mirroring the heart cry of the Father. I wrote it after struggling intensely with waiting on the Lord. I want "it" (my dreams, my desires, my way) NOW! In His loving kindness He uses life to show me His patient love time and again.

Enjoy and subscribe today to join us as another life in need of change.

On Waiting

His little feet kick ferociously against his car seat...eyes closed...head shaking...screams piercing...little car...mommy driving..."WANT OUT!"


Mommy struggles to keep it together.




"WANT TO GO!"

"Wait for me little ones...don't run too far...I can't protect you if you don't obey..."

"WANT YOU MOMMY!"

"Mommy is here to help you...to teach you...let me teach you everything I know...your life will go well...I can cover you and give you what you need..."

I can help you find your way.

"WANT OUT!"

"No little ones...mommy wants what's best for you...you have to wait...I can't protect you if you move outside of my reach..."

"WANT IT NOW!"

"I'm teaching you now little ones...training you for what's to come so that one day you can walk on your own...wait for me...you can't see what I can see...you haven't been where I've been...let me lead you...trust me..."

"WANT MY OWN WAY!"
"Your way seems best right now...but it's only because you can see so little...I know there will be twists and turns...I know that tomorrow is uncertain...trust my love for you..."

"NOW!!!"

"Believe in my love for you little ones...trust that I know best...wait for me...move when I move...speak when I speak...wait for me..."

I can help you find your way.

Life

I'm taking some time this week to ask the Lord to show me what His heart is for this blog. So for the next five days I'll be offering a series of reposts...thoughts from my earlier blogging days that are near to my heart. It's been a blessing to me to go back and read them and, in some cases, to be reconvicted by them. Today's post is of that sort. Enjoy, and subscribe now so we can walk out God's plan for us together.

How much do you find yourself thinking about life?


I think about it all the time.

You might be surprised to find out that there are many different things people think of when they hear the word “Life.” One of my greatest passions is ministering to women making life and death decisions for their unborn children and for themselves...this is but one definition of life...


I can easily get consumed with my passion for this definition of life, but I’ve found myself pondering it in a different way as of late.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:39, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Do you ever think about life as you’re looking at your children? Mine, like yours, are growing up fast.

On two separate occasions in recent months I have been told to hold them close. With tears in their eyes, seasoned moms have told me how they yearn for those long goodnights, the endless questions, snuggling up close, and the sound of little people laughter (or even fighting) in their home.

From their stories, this is what I've gleaned...

It’s way too easy to be distracted by all of the opportunities to “find life,” and in the process, lose something precious.

Email, Facebook, Twitter, television, movies, work, trips to the grocery store, telephone calls…the list is endless. There are so many things we can do that take our attention away from our family…away from those precious moments where they are learning something new, experiencing something for the first time, or need Mommy to guide them, teach them or just love on them.

How many of us would give our lives without thinking twice in order to save the lives of our children?

Have you held your little ones close and thought to yourself, "I would give my very life in a heartbeat to protect the life of this child?”

Most of us have...

But I sense that the Lord is asking something more of us than just offering our physical lives.

“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Willing to die to save our children, but not willing to give them our lives while we are here...

Dr. James Dobson says it this way, “Apparently, when people are caught up in the ongoing race for bigger…better…faster…they have little interest in…children” (Focus on the Family, November 2008).

I have to confess. At times I am ensnared by the pursuit of my own life.

It's possible to be a stay-at-home parent and still completely miss your children…your spouse. All for the sake of your own life...my own life.

This must be the worst of the losses. To miss that which is the most valuable...the most important...for the sake of that which fades away.

It’s never too late to make changes in your life. Lose your life my friend for the purpose of glorifying Christ. He promises that in the process, you’ll find it.

Take a look into your heart today. What are your priorities? Are you the person you want to be?

Christmas Day

Today we honor HIM...Thank you Lord for sending Your Son to become man, grow in grace, die a sinless death and be raised on the third day so that WE MIGHT BE FORGIVEN!

Rejoicing in YOU this day...King of Kings, Lord of Lords.

God WITH us...

Immanuel.

Merry Christmas!

Please be blessed today and every day and remember to pick up your free copy of my very first ebook My Soul Magnifies the Lord; Ponderings from the Heart of Mary at Christmas

Looking Forward (Find Peace)

Look forward with me the remainder of this week friends, to the coming of the Messiah, with verses that point us to Him and cause us to ponder His glory. Subscribe to join me today.

Blessed Be the Lord
Luke 1:68-75









"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people
and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us;
to show the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days."

In the hustle of the season...the traffic, the presents, the crying, the lines, the smoke...on and on and on...are you able to find peace? You can be one to serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all your days. I would love to tell you how. Email me at bcmcglothlin (at) comcast (dot) net.

And please pick up your free copy of my very first ebook My Soul Magnifies the Lord; Ponderings from the Heart of Mary at Christmas

Looking Forward

Look forward with me the remainder of this week friends, to the coming of the Messiah, with verses that point us to Him and cause us to ponder His glory. Subscribe to join me today.

Comfort for God's People
Isaiah 40:1-5











"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her that her warfare is ended,
that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the Lord's hand
double for all her sins.

A voice cries;
'In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

Overwhelmed with thankfulness to be one of the "comforted people."

Are you one of the comforted? I long for you to be. If you don't know the comfort of the Lord this Christmas allow me the honor of being the one who points the way. Email me at bcmcglothlin (at) comcast (dot) net.

And please pick up your free copy of my very first ebook My Soul Magnifies the Lord; Ponderings from the Heart of Mary at Christmas

Ebooks, Bible Studies & Downloads

(Click Here) My Soul Magnifies the Lord; Ponderings from the Heart of Mary at Christmas

SNOW!! (and the big green John Deer)

I have such fond memories of massive amounts of snow fall here in VA when I was a little girl.

One of my favorite memories involved my brother, Patrick.

We lived at the top of a long hill and our driveway, in comparison to the rest of the hill, was pretty steep.



Within seconds of the beginning of a big snow my father could be counted on to fire up the old John Deer with the big snow blade attached to the front and begin to plow us out. He knew if he didn't keep that first layer from sticking we would never be able to get up and down the hill.

When my brother got old enough, he took over this job for my father...and LOVED it!



We had an old runner sled...the kind with the metal runners from of old. It was awesome and if you timed it just right you could ride the thing from the top of our hill all the way down to the bottom of the road, maybe a quarter of a mile, and pull into a parking lot positioned perfectly before you would run out into the middle of traffic from the main street through town.

A kid's snow heaven...to be sure.



One particular night, after a couple of hours of snow a good thick layer of snow had begun to form and harden from the cold temperatures. I must have been 11 or 12 years old, which means my big brother was no more than 16 or 17. I strapped on my boots and snow suit and headed out with the glorious sleigh in hand.

Perfect traction allowed me to soar right down the hill...a ride unlike any other...so fast my mother would've been scared to death...if she had known...



I flew down the hill passing the other houses on our street like they were standing still (um...ok, they were) and when I got to the bottom I pulled perfectly into the parking lot just before crashing into the traffic below.

I got up and prepared to pull the sleigh back up the now seemingly treacherous hill...BUT WAIT!

But what to my wondering eyes should appear? My big brother coming down the hill on his big green John Deer!

He hooked up my sleigh, with me perched on top and PULLED ME BACK UP, so that when we reached home all I had to do was hop off...

And go again...


For what seemed like hours we did this over and over again. And it's one of the best memories I have of the snow as a kid.

Feel like sharing your snow stories? Share them below and let's remember together the wonder of that beautiful white stuff. Throughout this post I've shared pictures of our recent snowfall progression for your viewing pleasure. We're currently at 13inches + in total snowfall!

Be sure to subscribe so you'll never miss the fun stuff!

Peace on Earth?

I, am sick.

I am very sick.

So my dear friend, Teri Lynne, from Pleasing to You, agreed to help a girl out and be a guest blogger for me today. After you read here, be sure to go check out her beautiful blog. Tell her I sent you :-)

Thanks so much Teri Lynne!

Without furtther ado...

{Image by mabho}

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet the words repeat,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had roll'd along th' unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bow'd my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

'Til ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Written during the Civil War, this carol by Longfellow is perhaps my favorite of all Christmas music. I can relate to the sentiments shared. During this time of wars being waged in both Iraq and Afghanistan, questions about the nuclear capabilities of Iran and North Korea, an 10% unemployment rate in the U.S., and so many other concerns, that feeling of "There is no peace on earth I said" is real.

This year I know more than one family who is without income. I know many children who, without the generosity of strangers, would have no gifts under their Christmas tree. I ache for my friends whose family members are in war zones far across the seas this holiday season. I know of two families who have lost children in tragic accidents during the past week.

Sometimes the sorrow and pain of this world seem overwhelming to me ... and I feel so very helpless.

But I love this beautiful reminder ...

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep"

None of this has surprised God or caught Him off guard. He is at work and He is in control. He calls to my spirit to share His love to reach out the lonely, to love the broken, and to minister to the weak.

In the week ahead, I'll be wrapping presents, hosting parties, and traveling to see family. But, we'll also have written into our schedule spending Sunday afternoon serving a warm meal at our local homeless shelter ... we'll be visiting nursing homes on Christmas Eve to share communion with dear senior adults ... and we'll make sure that in the midst of a crazy, busy, hectic week we take time to ring the bells as best we can in this celebratory song ~

Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

How will you be spending the next week? Will it be filled with last minute preparations and constant busy-ness or have you already determined to make serving others and spending time with Christ a priority?

Don't forget to subscribe to A Life in Need of Change! Join me as we seek HIM through the season.

Elijah Prayer

If you're new to A Life in Need of Change, you may want to subscribe. You've joined me on a day that is near and dear to my heart so thank you in advance for visiting.


A few weeks ago Elijah Prayer hosted a guest blogger, Phil Holsinger who spoke to us about the Father Heart of God. Today, I've asked him to share with us from an experience he had recently as he led a group of men and women in what we like to call a "Celebration Ceremony."



"Four women...

...Three with their husbands and one with her mother and father, sat quietly and nervously as the service began.

It was supposed to be a celebration...a time to rejoice over the lives of their children. Their journey,begun some eight weeks earlier,was one filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears, fear and courage, loneliness and the amazing discovery of “never-aloneness.”

The hurt, loss, they had hidden in their souls years earlier had been revealed...The secret had been surrendered.

I watched them all cry, some with a depth of emotion that caused them to tremble.

They all spoke of their journey and the way that Father had revealed himself to them along the way. Each one of them had heard Father speak directly to their hearts…they heard him say,“I love you, I always have and I always will.”

As I anointed them with the oil of gladness I looked deeply into their eyes. They were full of joy and glimmered through the tears. As I prayed, I heard Father say, “do you see how clean snow really is?”


I do know something about snow. Living in Michigan, snow was a major part of my life for over 12 years.




But I had never seen snow that white, that clean before.

As we ended our time of celebration I charged their men to find the same forgiveness and healing for the secrets in their souls...

...so that they too could know that Father’s heart is turned absolutely to his children.

That is, after all, the Father’s heart."


Rev. Phil Holsinger is CEO and President of Blue Ridge Women's Center, a non-profit ministry reaching out to women in unplanned pregnancies. He'd be happy for you to follow him on twitter.



Question for today...

Where has HE washed you white as snow?

Treasured Up

If you're new to A Life in Need of Change, you may want to subscribe so you can begin the journey! Thank you so much for visiting today!

At times my heart feels full...

"But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." Luke 2:19

Along the way of life I've "pondered" this verse.

The very first time I caught my husband-to-be gazing at me across the room when he didn't think I was looking.

That look we shared together when I smiled back at him.

The first "I love you's" spoken.

His precious proposal...

Our wedding kiss...

His strength during the birth of our first-born that still leaves me overwhelmed.

The way he carried me through the valley of the shadow of death.

The way we look at each other that says, "I couldn't love these children more..."

Nursing my babes.

Cradling my oldest in my arms that first Christmas, gently singing "Silent Night" as I rocked him off to sleep.

Wiping a warm brow, kissing a booboo and hearing sweet voices say, "Lord Jesus..."

I ponder these things in my heart. For they are the important things.

As Mary held the baby in her arms, she must have pondered once again. What had been...what was...and what would be. Arms full of promise. Heart full of wonder. Hands full of hope.

It wasn't about her...but she was chosen.

All these things treasured up.

A woman's heart does that.

What are you treasuring up this Christmas? What are you pondering in your heart?

If God Doesn't Show Up...

If you're new to A Life in Need of Change, you may want to subscribe so you can keep up with the latest! Thank you so much for visiting today!

Have you ever had one of those days when you're filled with self-doubt and worry?

...one of those days when you're trying desperately to balance circumstance with truth and circumstance is winning the day?

Welcome to my day.

I haven't tried to hide the fact that God is calling us to homeschool. Those of you who know me well (in real life) know that I'm walking into this with much fear and trembling...

...knowing that if God doesn't show up nothing will happen**.

I'm a teacher. I'm not saying that to puff myself up. Over and over again it registers as one of my spiritual gifts. Teaching others the Word, specifically, brings me great joy...brimming over joy to be more direct.

But I've never loved teaching children...until I had my own.

I am operating under the belief that God has called us to do this, but could I be wrong?

Day after day I struggle to hold their attention for even just a five minute interactive devotion.

Day after day I struggle to get them excited about reading a book.

Day after day I see other moms who are naturals at creating, naturals at teaching their children through crafts, art, music, stories...and I feel like a failure. Because that's just not who I am. I really don't possess even an ounce of creativity. Every creative thing I do with my children comes from a book. And the things I get from books just don't seem to fly that well.

Last year my oldest participated in preschool. Two days a week he came home with a different craft, piece of art or creation that was designed to maximize his imagination or teach him a new skill.

I'm not sure I can duplicate that for him. I have two little boys...little boys who like to play HARD. If given the choice between reading and running...they'd already be gone.

If I break homeschooling into two separate parts, education and worldview, worldview is where I'm strong. And worldview is what I'm choosing to focus on right now. Rather than drill the ABCs or 123s everday I've been trying my best to create an atmosphere where my children can see the world through God's eyes.

I'm just feeling inept, unqualified and not creative enough for the job. I want my children to have the best, and I believe "the best" for my household is homeschooling, but honestly the thought of coming up with a new craft or project every day...doesn't sound fun to me.

Are craftiness, creativity and (oh I cringe) owning a sewing machine prerequisites to being a homeschooling mom?

Because I fear if they are I'm doomed.

And yet...

We have been called. There's no escaping that. And we're living on the brink of knowing that unless God shows up, nothing happens.

So tell me. What impossible thing has God called you to? Where must HE show up to make the impossible, possible for you?

As an aside, I know the decision to homeschool or not can create quite a stir. While I pray that you are passionate about your choice for your family, creating an opportunity for division is NOT my intention or heart here. I'm sharing my vulnerable heart with you, so please take good care of it. Don't take advantage of my fears and try to talk me out of homeschooling...just help me work through them :)

**The thought behind this post came from a speech my CEO heard at a leadership conference recently. When I find out who spoke I'll give him credit :)

New things...good things...cheap things...

I'm changing a few things around here. Adding... subtracting... A few noticeable things...a few not so noticeable.

No need to panic. Overall, the heart of A Life in Need of Change will stay the same.

After the first of the year I may be changing the appearance a bit too...and I'm very excited about it! I want this blog to fully communicate my heart and the journey to get there has been exciting and fun!

So, on the agenda for today are some seasonal changes.

Because I want to bring you the very best opportunities I've partnered with two affiliate companies just in time for the last few items on your Christmas list.

At the top, left-hand side of my page you'll see a link for DaySpring Christmas shopping! I'm proud to associate with a company that brings a wonderful message,


reminding us that "Jesus is the Gift" we celebrate during Christmas.

Just for you, just in time for those last minute Christmas items, DaySpring is offering an extra 25% off of all items, some already on sale! And some already less than $10.

Over the weekend, I purchased this beautiful devo by Holley Gerth for our babysitter!


Don't worry...I don't think she even knows I write a blog! With the 25% discount, using the coupon code GIFT25 I spent less than $10 before shipping! And I didn't have to leave my home!



Here are some other favorites of mine from all different price ranges.








Aren't they ALL beautiful? There's something for everyone...so go now and click on my link to start shopping!

Remember, the 25% off sale ends today!




For the social media lover in your life, may I heartily recommend clicking on the second link down on the left side of my page?



Ally Worthington's Smart Girl's Guide to Twitter changed my life. I know it sounds a bit like overkill to say that an ebook could change a person's life, but it really did. This ebook, for just $19.99 revolutionized the way I understand and use twitter. Twitter is THE way to engage using Social Media. Find me there tweeting daily. I decided to represent Smart Girl's too as an affiliate JUST because this book helped me so much! I'm not exaggerating!

Perhaps you have a person in your life wanting to understand how Titter can work to increase their business, writing skills or friendships. Or perhaps you've wondered what all the fuss is about with this "tweeting thing." Smart Girl's Guide to Twitter is the book for you! So scroll up and check it out NOW!

Once again...Merry Christmas! I hope these tips will help minimize your Christmas stress and maximize your Christmas giving spirit!

So there you go! Just a few of the changes happening around A Life in Need of Change! Look for more coming soon and subscribe so you never miss a post!

The TV Fell on My Head

Not writing about the little ones today.

I told a story last night at my staff Christmas party and my hubby says I have to write about that today. So I'm being an obedience wife...ok?

One night, shortly after we had gotten engaged, my hubby and I visited an electronics store. There were several things we needed to start our new life together, but I was determined that a large TV was NOT going to be one of them. In fact, I was determined that a TV would NEVER be the central focus of our home.

As we walked in the store, my hubby locked eyes with what, at that time, was a large, beautiful 32 inch JVC television. He fell in love a little.

Not only that, but he also wanted to buy it.

I could not believe that my soon to be groom would DARE to ask for a huge TV when he knew that we needed more practical things like furniture...I mean we did have some furniture...but it was old...obviously getting new furniture was more important than buying a new TV...right?

So I did what any bride-to-be would do when she doesn't get her way.

I threw a temper tantrum...right there in the electronics store.

I think I might have even stomped my foot.

Ugly.

My sweet husband watched me rave for a few minutes and then slowy turned around, without a word, and walked out of the store.

After a minute or so I followed him...and there we sat, in his truck, in total silence.

After several minutes he turned to me and said something I'll never forget..."Why is it that when you say you WANT something it's a NEED, but when I say I want something it's silly and frivilous?"

In that moment, I decided that I would buy him that TV.

And I did. It took me an entire paycheck to do it, but I bought him the TV for Christmas that year and surprised him with it. He was so excited...thrilled even. But it represented something much deeper for me...that marriage was about give and take. I never wanted to have a TV that big in my home...never wanted to have a TV be the central focus of my home. But it was important to him. And I wanted him to know that what was important to him was important to me.

We still have that TV. Now, in a day where it's considered relatively small, it sits proudly in our family room, the central focus of that room of our home.

Two funny things have happened as a result of that gift of love.

1. It actually fell on my hubby's head. Yes, you heard me right. While he was rearranging furniture one night it tipped and fell on his head. It's heavy. For years after that if he did or said anything silly or stupid his excuse would be, "The TV fell on my head." Not a bad excuse.

2. Because this TV was such an extreme labor of love for me, I have refused to allow him to upgrade to a newer, high definition TV. There is nothing wrong with this TV...and I am slightly offended when he asks for a new one...so we may go to our graves with a TV I never wanted and that he perhaps wanted too much.

So come on...tell me. What crazy things have happened that define the funny in your marriage?

Ever had a TV fall on your head? If you suffer from chronic TV headitis, or any other funny "itis" for that matter subscribe now so we can laugh at ourselves together!

And check out Homesteader's Heart for more Friday Funnies hilarity!

Elijah Prayer Project - The Father's Heart

This week we've been taking a look into the heart of Mary. We discussed perfect femininity and how our response matters. Today, for the Elijah Prayer Project, I want to take a look at Joseph's Heart.

If ever there existed a man who had every right to run, to bail...it was Joseph.


He could have walked way quietly and no one would have thought him wrong.

He could have walked away loudly and no one would have thought him wrong.

But his heart was in tune with the Father's.

And that made all the difference.

"But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit'...When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him..." (Matthew 1:20 & 24).

Other men, when approached by a messenger of the Lord, laughed (Abraham - Genesis 17:17) or questioned (Zechariah - Luke 1:18). Joseph simply awoke and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.

I'm a woman. I'm not sure that I can really speak of the hearts of men...I'm not sure I'm supposed to.

My CEO, Phil Holsinger, says, "Mal. 4:5-6 shows that the abortion issue will not change until the hearts of men change. We need to learn the Father's heart..."

Abortion is only one issue out of many. Mary had a crisis pregnancy. The "Joseph" of today, a single young man, would most likely pressure her to abort.

But he had the Father's Heart...

And that made all the difference.

How can we, as women, help our men look for the Father heart of God?

Join me on this journey of change...closer to the Father heart of God. Subscribe today.

Your response matters

Yesterday we talked about perfect femininity.

Mary.

Misunderstood by many. Made into something she was never meant to be. Chosen...called...set apart.

Her response mattered to God.

And so does ours.

When you're under stress, what is your heart's response?

When you are persecuted, what is your heart's response?

When you lose your way, what is your heart's response?

When you're hurt by someone you love, what is your heart's response?

When life takes a painful turn, what is your heart's response?

So often we react from our gut. Lash out, eat, hurt back, retreat inside, SIN.

But our response matters to God. In fact, I submit to you that our response in the hard times matters more than our response when everything is good.

Why?

"For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34

It's in the hard times that what resides in our heart, comes out.

It's when we're squeezed that what's inside spills over.

It's when we're taken by surprise that we react from our heart.

Mary was afraid. But she chose obedience nonetheless. And not just regular old obedience...JOYFUL OBEDIENCE.

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior..." Luke 1:46

God knew the response of Mary's heart before she gave it. (Perhaps that had something to do with why she was chosen).

All of the times my response has failed God. All of the times I've shown my true colors...the real state of my heart.

After it's over I'm so frustrated, broken. Because I love Him. He saved me. ME. And I fail Him still.

But perhaps I've been in training. Maybe all of those failures have purified my soul...cleaned my hands and purified my heart.

So that one day my heart's response might please Him.

What is God purifying in you?

A Life in Need of Change is about just that: change. If your heart's longing is to respond well, join me, and let's learn together.

Perfect Femininity

"And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.'" (Luke 1:38)

Perfect femininity.

Perfect submission.

Not to man, but to God.

No matter the consequences. Because she knew HE WAS the I AM.

And nothing else mattered.



What are the attributes you ascribe to perfect femininity?

If this is your first time visiting A Life in Need of Change go ahead and subscribe. Let's walk out change together!

Richness of the Past

You should know by now that I consider myself a daddy's girl.

I was blessed in life to have two parents who loved and supported me in everything I did. My mom and dad both are amazing people and I'm so glad that the Lord gave me to them. But I am a daddy's girl. And I wanted to take an opportunity today to tell you a story about my dad. If you've read my blog for long you know that I have had several men in my family who have served our country as service men.

My grandfather (mom's dad) was a helicopter machanic in the Navy. Many men arrived safely to their destinations in World War II because of his skilled hands.

My Uncle (father's brother) was in the Army Reserves...Command Seargent Major...the highest rank a non-commissioned officer can achieve.

My father also served in the Army Reserves, Seargent Major. His unit was the only one in our area that was not called to active duty during Desert Storm. We were very thankful.

During his time in the Army, my dad saw many things and visited many places. He received an email from a friend the other day that reminded him of one of those places and wrote a little story about it from memory. I was so proud of him and thought you might find it fascinating too. Here is the email he sent me.

I am fortunate that I have seen many places in this life. I was reminded the other day of something I did when i was at Rutgers University my first year out of HS...That would have been 1954-55 school year. I was in AFROTC at Rutgers and they took freshmen down to McGuire AFB for orientation flights. It was a Saturday and about 25 of us were loaded onto a DC3 converted to a C45 and took off at about 1000 hrs.

Part of the plan was that each student would spend about 15 minutes in the copilot's seat flying the plane.

The piolot was a Bird Colonel who was having a blast and getting some flight time. When I sat down in the copilot's seat, he gave me instructions on how to keep the plane level by watching a little pair of wings on a meter on the instrument panel. "Keep them level and on the little line across the meter" he said, and the plane would stay level in the air.

It became easier as I became accustomed to the feel of the controls. After a bit, the pilot told me, "apply a slight pressure on the left foot pedal and turn the wheel slightly to the left." The plane started banking to the left and l will never forget what I saw out the windshield. It was the Statue of Liberty! And I was flying around it!



Shortly after we completed a 180 the pilot relieved me so that someone else could come forward and fly the machine. As I left the copilot's seat, the pilot said "That was something you can tell your grandchildren about."

They aren't quite old enough to understand yet. Hope I live long enough to tell this story to them. I doubt that it would be allowed today to do what I did back there 54 years ago. Security concerns being what they are today it would be difficult to get clearence to do that kind of fly-by that close to the Statue although the AF might be able to do it. With the sensitivity of the public to fly-bys in New York, I doubt they would do it just for a group of ROTC students. Politicians, maybe.

What a memory!
Did you love that as much as I did?

I'm so proud!

How many of our family members have stories like this to tell? Are we so busy in life that we miss the rich life histories of our loved ones?

Do you ever stop just to listen?

Subscribe and walk with me as I seek the richness of life.

Christmas OutGiving Week Winners

Once again I'd like to thank each and every one of you for participating in my efforts to bless you this past week. You've made my week so exciting and an overwhelming success!

Special thank you's go to my twitter friends Teri Lynne and Erin for designing and creating the HTML for the beautiful button we used all week! Thank you lovelies!

Here's a breakdown of all the winners from last weeks giveaways. If you havent heard from me, it's because you didn't leave contact info. Please find a way to contact me with your mailing address as soon as possible!

Monday
Erin - An amazing gift that gives back...Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee!!

Tuesday
Jenny - Songs for Saplings CD!!
Jessica - Baby Nappy Balm!!!
Christina - another copy of the Songs for Saplings CD (I sneaked on you!!)
Stephanie - Beautiful Twirl Skirt!!

Wednesday
Teri Lynne - Here We Go Kid's CD!!
Allyson - Arbonne products and $25 gift certificate!!

Thursday
Trena - Package of 3 children's CDs!!
Sandra - Brother Offended Checklist!!
Christina - Eco friendly Kitchen Spray!!
Lori - Handmade cards!!!

Friday
Kristen - Casting Crowns Christmas CD!!!
Teri Lynne - Blog Makeover!!!

Remember, if you haven't already, please email me with your mailing address so I can get these awesome giveaways to you ASAP!

Be blessed in all you do! And remember to subscribe and walk with me through the rest of this blessed season!

My first ever Christmas OutGiving Week is OVER! Thank you all so much for making it such a huge success.

I'm gathering info and hope to post tomorrow with a list of all the winners. If you're there and I haven't contacted you it's because I couldn't find you! So please find me!

Blessings as you worship this 2nd Sunday in Advent. Be filled with peace as you look expectantly for the celebration of the birth of the Christ child.

Final Day of Christmas OutGiving Week!!!

Final Day...Big Day...I'm exhausted.

Not gonna beat around the bush...

Today's GRAND PRIZE is a blog makeover by my good friend Joanna Brittain of Southern Girl Blog Designs!!



Joanna took my shabby little attempt at a blog and made it into my dream...my vision. I loved working with her...truly she brought my vision to life. So I can't tell you how excited I am to be able to bless one of you with this opportunity to work with Joanna on a makeover for your blogspot blog.

A $50 value, Joanna will provide the following services for today's winner:

~Custom Header (pictures, quotes, etc. can be added)
~Custom Background
~2 or 3 columns (please specify when ordering)
~10 Custom Sidebar Buttons (additional can be purchased)
~Link Button with scroll box (size 140X140)
~Signature Button
~Includes Installation

oh...and if you DON'T WIN...Joanna is running a special this month! 30% off on any package! So don't lose heart...

Excited? I thought so...

And for those of you who want a little something different today I thought I'd throw in one more CD. I bought it for myself the other day at LifeWay and it has quickly become my new Christmas favorite.



So peaceful...so worshipful. You'll love it I know.

Thank you friends. This week has been so much fun. (as an aside though...I think I have decided that I'll only be doing a giveaway of this magnitude once a year...more than that is enough to kill a girl!)

I so hope you enjoy your gifts and that as you use them you feel blessed, loved and treasured...because you are.

To enter today's giveaway please follow the same rules as before.

For an extra entry answer this question:

What is your favorite Christmas song? And why?

Next week I'll be back to normal...Check in with me on Monday and hear from my dad. He'll be sharing about an awesome experience he had while serving in the army...I can't wait! Subscribe nowso you don't miss it!!!

Christmas OutGiving Week - Day Four!!!!

Let's cut right to the chase...

Today, there will be a total of FOUR Giveaways on A Life in Need of Change! I'm saving the best for last (tomorrow) but today's attempt to bless you is nothing to sneeze at.

To introduce the first giveaway take a walk back through memory lane with me...

The fourteen year old girl, so nervous, stood up as he knocked on the door of her family home. Behind him she spotted the little black sports car that represented her very first ride in a car ALONE with a BOY...

She still couldn't believe her parents had agreed. There was a tension in the air...the kind where parents were allowing something to happen, not really sure if it was right...

She hugged her momma and walked out the door, through the garage, to the driveway...her daddy following close behind.

Not really quite sure what to do, she just stood there and waited. Slowly but surely her father began to circle around the car stooping down occassionally to inspect the tires and memorize details. Toward the back, he pulled a small pad of paper out of his pocket and wrote down the license number, make and model of the car. After coming full circle he drew his daughter under his protective embrace, looked sternly and powerfully into the boy's eyes and said:

"This is my only daughter...she's my baby. You're getting ready to drive around the most precious thing in the world to me, and son, if you hurt her you'll answer to me."

I remember that day so well. My emotions were wild. Excitement for the adventure, butterflies over the boy, embarrassment mixed with pride at my father's actions. From that day forward, every time I went on a date with a new person that pad of paper came out. I learned to love it...be proud of it.

Last night my mom and dad packed both of my little loves into their van to take them away for a big overnight adventure at Nonna and Gaggy's house. Fear mixed with excitment and pride filled my heart. And I looked at my dad and said:

"These are my only two babies. There aren't any more. You're getting ready to drive around the most precious things in the world to me. Please take good care of them."

And I know he understood.

To celebrate the desire parents have to protect and give the best to their children I want to bless you with a set of three CDs that will edify, teach and root Sacred Truth deep in your children's hearts.

From the creators of Songs for Saplings, these three CDs tell a story of God's love and redemption that any child can understand and all three will go as one gift to one lucky person! I simply love the copies they gave me...and I hope you will too.







The next giveaway comes to you from my sweet friend Jen. Jen creates the most beautiful handmade cards. Honestly guys and gals, this picture really doesn't do them justice at all, but I think you can see a hint of her talent here. She made my baby announcements for my number two son...so precious.



She's hoping to start a little card business...and wants to bless one of you with a variety pack of homemade cards for all seasons.



Another treat from the makers of Tuesday's Baby Nappy Balm, EcoStore USA blessed me with a bottle of this Citrus Spray Cleaner.



Check out a little more about their green company...



I think you'll like what you see.


Finally, brought to you by an amazing Christian parenting resource, Doorposts, is this awesome, beautiful, and oh so helpful chart entitled "The Brother Offended Checklist."

Kids tattle, hit, bite, punch, yell, scream and steal when they perceive that they have been wronged...oh wait...those are just my kids.

Matthew 18 gives us clear guidelines for how to handle conflict, but how many of us, as parents, apply that scripture to our kids when they get in a scuffle? I know I never thought of it at all until a friend (thanks Trena) suggested that I take a look at the Doorposts website. I love it! Seriously I have spent a small fortune in their parenting helps, not because they're expensive, but because I LOVE EVERYTHING THEY HAVE!

So practical, so Biblical and so easy for little ones to understand, the "Brother Offended" Checklist will help you sink this truth into your children's hearts aided by Scripture and even pictures designed for the itty bitty ones to be able to understand.

I love that I can bless you with this!!



Whew...this blessing you guys is much harder than I thought it would be :-) Really...it's a lot of work!

But you're worth it. Thank you again...even if you're stopping by today and will never return, thank you...I appreciate you so much.

Be blessed today as you enter. Go about entering the same way as before...let me know which gift you'd like to have making sure to leave me an email or twitter ID so I can find you.

And for an extra entry answer this question:

What memory of your parents do you have that speaks to their deep love for you? If your parents didn't fill that role, share a memory of the person/persons who did.

Tomorrow is the last day of Christmas OutGiving Week at A Life in Need of Change. Subscribe
now so you can join me for the GRAND PRIZE tomorrow!!