From Frazzled to Fun

I had planned to write about Target's PRIDE push (did you sign one of the circulating boycott petitions?) As I dug into this, I was surprised to discover more retailers that have similar agendas. 

One of the most shocking for me, after Target, was North Face, who just released their "Summer of Pride Tour" ad with drag queen "Patti Gonia" (one minute ad can be seen at 5:50). I guess they didn't learn from Bud Light's recent and sudden loss of 16 billion dollars because of a similar campaign.

Mama bears, let's send them a clear message...go woke, go broke.

Enough said, because I also learned about a very different tour that brings so much HOPE in this darkness, and I'd much rather focus on this!

Can you imagine doing a family vacation this year that would include joining other faith-filled families in the great outdoors for family movie nights watching "The Chosen" on a 20 ft. movie screen, fishing...

Today is the National Day of Prayer, and I want to encourage you by sharing this message my husband Chris sent out to our church:

* * *

Let's join millions of brothers and sisters in our nation and around the world praying directly to God

Let's pray for ... 

> Revival

Lord, let it begin in me. 

> Unity

At a time our country is divided, it's time for the church to be united.

> Spiritual Awakening

Who can I share Jesus with today?


“Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.”  D.L. Moody

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) - if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 

* * *

I also want to pray Eph. 3:14-21 (NIV) for the people of our nation:

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth...

Which of your children is currently in the most difficult stage?

What behavior is most challenging?

Have you thought about the giftedness that might be associated with that behavior?

We know that our greatest strengths can be our greatest weaknesses.

But we often forget that when training our children.

I was talking with a mom last night at a mom's event who talked about her concern about the deceitfulness of one of her children.

Digging deeper, I realized that the deceitful behavior his mom was describing all had to do with him wanting to make his own decisions.

Hmmmmmm.

A leader.

I encouraged her to sit down with him and have a talk about seeing that gift of initiative and leadership in him, but also let him know that it was not coming out in a good way in the choices he was making.

Then to let him know she wants to support that gift and let it come out in a positive way by finding whatever ways she could to involve him in the decision making of his schedule, jobs he...

Feeling that Spring Cleaning itch?

I sure was!

So Coach Mom Tribers are in the midst of a Make a Clean Sweep Contest.

We are focusing on sprucing up the common areas that guests would visit.

So...the front porch, the entry, family room, kitchen, back patio, etc.

If you'd also like to bring a little sparkle and freshness to your own home...

...the first step is seeing things from a fresh perspective.

(We can get used to our "stuff" sitting around, can't we?...til we just overlook it altogether.)

Do this:

1. Supplies needed: phone (or camera), paper, pen
2. Pretend this is the first time you are seeing your house.
3. Walk outside your house and then walk back in, as if you are a first-time guest.
4. Take photos to capture the “before” and help you to see where needed changes are
5. Study the photos and jot down areas that need change, so when you have an extra few minutes, you know what to do
6. Work in 15-minute increments daily on your listed tasks and...

I've given up canceling out my own prayers for my child.

What do I mean?

Well, let's consider something that I really wanted to see change in for my child.

For example, my child was making selfish choices and always seemed to put herself above others.

When I was in a quiet reflective moment I prayed that the Lord will help her to learn to put others first and be more considerate of others.

Later in the day, when bringing in a pizza for the family and a few friends I said to my husband,  "Oh boy, here we go again...she's going to push to the front and rush to get the biggest piece as soon as we come through the door, just like she always does."

Wait a second.

Back up.

I had to ask myself, Do I believe the Bible is true?

Because I know it says this: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever...

A mom's retreat, friends made so dear

Many touching moments that brought a tear

We really chilled 

Our cups were filled

And connected with beautiful peers.

With a new perspective hope appears

And a moment to breathe, we see God is near

So take a peek

At something you might seek

To add to your *calendar for next year.

*Feb. 23-24, 2024

"I'm heading out to grab some lunch," said our friend Josh who ran AV at the retreat. My mind reeled with thoughts of how badly I wished I had some cash right now to hand him. He was sooo kind to give of his time....

 At that very moment my friend Vicki walked up and said, "Brenna, I just sold two t-shirts" and handed me a twenty dollar bill. 

It was almost one solid movement from her hand to my hand and then my hand to his hand!

This is the perfect example of how every detail for this event has come together, I immediately realized. Just at the time there was a need, it was met.

(And it was the one and only time anyone handed me cash all weekend, even with all the books and t-shirts that sold.)

Though it seemed like a daunting task in October when I felt the Lord leading me to have a Coach Mom Live Retreat, I moved forward in faith and I testify to the Lord's goodness and provision in every way.

I heard Priscilla Shirer the week before...

Have you been fearful for the future of your children in this world that has most recently seemed like everything has been turned on its head?

Be hopeful, mama! We are now seeing glimpses of what the future holds...

Revival is here!

You may remember my Aslan is on the Move blog post from two years ago that compared our "dark winter" season with that written about in The Lion,The Witch and the Wardrobe and ended with this prayer:

Father, I believe you will defeat the spiritual darkness and bring about the Great Awakening and Revival that many of us have felt you have promised. Help me to STAND, be still before you, and watch for your salvation.

Friend, it is happening now!

On Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Asbury University, the speaker for their morning chapel service closed with a simple prayer:

"Jesus, do a new thing in our midst. Revive us in your love."

A few students gathered afterwards and one student's repentance led to another, and students began to...

Make it meaningful for your man with just a little thoughtfulness and a few minutes this year for Valentines. 

Think outside the box. 

How about taking a sheet of paper, writing out things you love about him, and posting it where he will see it every day? 

Talk about impact!

I want to share some posts I put up years ago that continue to strengthen my husband and our marriage. These are so old, worn out and quickly done that it's almost embarrassing to share, but I want you to see how easy it really can be.

This one, for his birthday, I taped inside his closet. (If I would have written this same thing on a card, how many times would he have seen it in comparison?)

From brainstorm to posting probably took 5-7 minutes. Notice how I listed specific things about him. Details mean so much when it comes to expressing admiration and love.

Are you thinking this doesn't look doable right now for you in your busy season?

How about the...

A young woman from my daughter's high school found out she was pregnant a few months ago. We tried to help, offering to throw her a baby shower and encouraging her. Unfortunately, the pressures became too great and she terminated the pregnancy with an abortion.

If only she had been given more support, I know the situation could have been different.

Do you have a hurting young woman in your life?

Do you have a friend who has a daughter in crisis?

Are you a young woman who is struggling with a life-altering issue?

Mercy Multiplied, a faith-based organization founded by Nancy Alcorn offers help and hope for young women in crisis...free of charge.

Mercy’s Residential Program helps young women ages 13-32 break free from life-controlling issues and situations, including: 

• anxiety
• depression
• sexual abuse
• eating disorders
• self-harm
• addictions
• unplanned pregnancy
• sex trafficking

Where are the residential locations?

• ...