Don't Forget to tune in and hear me on the radio/net today!

  This is my reminder entry about me being on the radio TODAY at 3:15 p.m. (central time) on KJSL A.M. 630 in the Saint Louis area OR you can listen online here.  If this is news to you, here is my previous entry about how it all came about and they why's. 

I am really excited and a bit nervous too!  Please pray for me and of course listen in.

AND... here is the finial draft of what I gave my Pastor for the church news letter.  I got it in too late to make this month's edition but he said he will use it for the next one.

I Can Be Silent No More, and so can you.   

 Proverbs 24:11-12  If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?  

Psalms 139:13-14  For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  

The abortion issue is a sensitive subject in our society today.  It is the one issue that has divided the American people in politics and religion over the last 32 years since the court case Roe vs Wade made abortion on demand at any stage of pregnancy legal and a so called privacy issue.  Some see it as murder and some see it as a fundamental women's right over her body.  It is easy to get frustrated over all the rhetoric put forth from both sides of the issue and want to just avoid the subject all together.  I have heard Christians, who are to be salt and light to this world say things such as, "I can't change minds and only God can change hearts over this" or  simply "it is not my issue to be concerned over" and "These are The End Times, it is expected to have horrible things come about and there is not much we can do about it"  And while it is true we can not change hearts, we can plant seeds.  And yes, I do believe we are living in The End Times but we are to still be that shining light all the more in these dark days.  It hurts my heart greatly to see such apathy because for me, abortion is not just an issue or a political topic up for debate.  When I hear the statistics that every 23 seconds an abortion is performed in our country and that yearly 1.4 million unborn children loose their life in America due to abortion, I put a face and a heart beat to each number and it makes me weep that this is an acceptable norm in America, how much more does it hurt our Lord's heart?.  

 I know the pain of abortion, the consequences and after effects.  I take this issue very personally because I myself had an abortion when I was 15 yrs old.  Sadly I am apart of the statistic that says 45% of women under 47 yrs old who has bought into the lie that abortion helps women.  I am that one in three women sitting in our pews who has been hurt by abortion.  I am the face of the women going into the clinic scared and confused and walking out with such a deep pain it takes between 5-11 years to face exactly what I have done to my child and my body.  I am the subject that is avoided in polite conversation.  

God has taken what was hidden and brought it to light.  Often women who have had an abortion do not and will not speak about it.  It is that little secret that eats at their soul until they can confess it and ask the Lord to bring healing. Because of the Love of Jesus Christ and the healing he has brought to my life he has enabled me to talk openly about my own pain I went threw because of abortion.  Because of Jesus Christ that shame and guilt is wiped clean and I can be a voice for those being lead to the slaughter and a warning to women and I hope a beacon to other women hurting because of their own abortion.. a light for them to see there is hope and healing after abortion, there is Hope in the Lord.   

When we are obedient in our walk with the Lord he will take you to some very interesting places.  I am normally a shy and quiet person and you would think the thought of giving a public speech about my own abortion would be a terrifying one, but in all honesty because Jesus is my strength and I ask the Holy Spirit to give me his words to speak, all fear is wiped away.  This last January he opened doors for me to speak at a few prayer gatherings for aborted children in the Saint Louis area and in my new home town Troy and also tag along to Jefferson City with the group called Silent No More, to give information out at our state capital building during Missouri Right To Life's annual prayer vigil.  February I have the opportunity to attend training threw the Pregnancy Resource Center for ministry work with crisis pregnancies and post abortion counseling and be interviewed on Christian radio to help raise awareness and reach out to other hurting women and men.     

You may think you do not know any one who is effected by abortion but if you have a sister, a mother, an aunt, a girl friend, co-worker, neighbor, chances are you do know some one who has faced this or is facing a choice but they are just not talking about it.  I don't expect everyone to feel lead to stand out side a clinic or even be as vocal as I am on abortion but to at least be informed and keep an eye and ear open to when and where God can use you to plant seeds of hope and love. To do or say nothing and avoid this subject all together is against Proverbs 24: 11-12. With God all things are possible and I do believe threw him, we can and will see an end to what has been called The American Holocaust.

 

Touches to my room

Added vases with flowers to go with the mural in our bedroom

The Left Side

The Right Side

I wanted to pick flowers that would bring out the colors of the ones in the mural.  If you look at it from a far they almost blend int too well but I like it, even if Josh thinks they look cheap : P

Pictures taken with my awesome new camera : )

Zane crossed over into Boy Scouts last week.  An important event in our family.  We are so proud of him.  He earned The Arrow Of Light award, the highest honor a cub scout can earn.  As he walked over the bridge and was stripped of his old neckerchief, I couldn't help but tear up a bit.  He is now officially a Boy Scout, on his way to being an Eagle Scout one day I just know it.  It is too bad he was still sick and didn't feel like smiling so much but it was just too big of a deal for him to stay home.

Valentine is getting so big already.  My poor kitty.  His tail is sooooo skinny now from all the playing around with the puppy.  I can't keep them apart.. half the time Gab instigates the playful banter but Val gets too rough some times.  Potty training is going, could be better. We finally got a proper crate for Valentine and are going to try a few suggestions from our neighbor who has trained many dogs.  At least she is warming up to going outside and not just sitting there and whining on the leash.  We don't have a fence yet so we can't let her just run free.  We are considering getting one of those underground electric fencing when we have the money.

Our tax return came.. and then it went.  After paying and catching up on all our bills and getting just a *ahem* few small things, its G O N E.  I am a bit let down that we have to wait even longer to get the dental work I absolutely need done but you know we were so far behind from Josh not working for six weeks straight, I guess I will just have to deal. Now that he is back to work full time and on second shift we should be able to start putting money away.  BUT I am thrilled with my new digital camera. A flash makes a big difference and just look how crisp these pictures are.  I hardly had to edit any of them.  It is a Casio EXLIM, and also will take small clips of video. Josh surprised me with it and said it was my late Birthday and Valentine's Day present.  He got himself a very nice new cell phone that takes better pics then my cell and his has video. I am a little green over it.. it is a better toy I think lol. I told him we should switch phones, his is too nice to be bringing to work.. but of course he doesn't agree with that idea. 

Besides all that Life has been going well.  I am getting closer with my friend Audra.  She goes to my church and we have been friends over a year now but now we live so much closer to each other and can do more things together.  She is also a stay at home mom and a lot of fun.  She is one of the sweetest and loyal person you could wish to know.  We are planning on going on the women's retreat at the end of next month together. We also decided to start having Bible study and Prayer together during the week.  I am thankful that God has sent her in my life.  He knew how I longed for a girl friend to do these things with and the hole in my life for a close friend and he has provided once again abundantly. 

Tomorrow Josh is taking Zane and Sophia to a Bike Show and Audra's hubby and boys may go along.  I plan on taking the rest of the girls and Audra to Old Time Pottery while they are out doing that and maybe find a craft for us to do this week.

Keep an eye out for more posting with pictures " ) And me making the rounds in J~Land getting caught up with my online friends.

Life

I have lots of updates... that is what happens when you take forever to get online and do an entry but LIFE is what happens when you are away from the computer.

Doing a happy dance... got our Refunds.. now time to play serious catch up with the bills and with any hope get the appointments set so I can Finally get my teeth done.  At least I felt some what rich for a day lol.

Josh is finally going back to work!! He hasn't worked since the day after New Years.. ya.. ouch.  The best part is it is a long job... IN TOWN!  We can finally get back to a some what normal family life : ) 

Josh cut the Internet off my cell phone so I can't upload any more pictures and add them to my blog until we get a new dig camera or find some one to fix our digital-camcorder : p

Zane is crossing over from being a Cub Scout to a Boy Scout tomorrow at their Blue And Gold Banquet.  That is very exciting but he has been sick the last 3 days and woke up this morning with NO VOICE!  I took him in to see the doc and they think it is just a virus and not strep, so if he doesn't have a fever he can go tomorrow.  I am praying his voice comes back tomorrow.  He is supposed to recite the Boy Scout Promise and Law as part of the crossing over ceremony.  He has been working so hard at memorizing it too.

Our Valentine puppy is doing good.  Took her to the vet yesterday and got the works done.  She is a bit trouble with paper training.  She will go and pee on it but likes to poo anywhere but.  I know, it takes time and work.. puppies are just like children in that way.  She wont go outside.. she just sits there and whines.  Not that I blame her.. it is FREEZING OUT!  We are trying to keep everything puppy proof, especially after she chewed in half the cord for the lap top computer!  It is a wonder she did not get electrocuted.  We are finding that the cord is hard to replace so we are not all that thrilled that she did that but we only have ourselves to blame for not putting it up or watching her closer.  But all and all she is starting to warm up to everyone.  She really plays with Sophia the best because Sophia can get down on her level lol Val must think Sophia is another puppy.  We love our pup and it feels like our family is complete having her here.

We are getting ready to do some painting (finally)  I hope to borrow my friend's camera tomorrow for Zane's thing and maybe some before and after pics of the living room.  We had wanted to get our bedroom furniture with our taxes but didn't get as much back as we thought we would so we are going to have to put that off and save for it.  Ofcourse all the good sales are going on right now lol but all in good time.

Next week I have a training to go to threw the PRC on ministry work with Crisis Pregnancies and Post Abortion Counciling.  Two other ladies from my church volunteered to come with me and that is good.  Then the following week is the big interview on the radio.  I was also asked to write something for our church news letter about all that I have been doing.  I am really trying but some how cant seem to get it out of me.  I have something written but it sounds more like a smack then something uplifting and I haven't gotten to the part about Silent No More in it yet.  I am not sure that is what they had in mind when I was asked to do the write up lol.. I'll post what I have so far and you tell me what you think lol.

Proverbs 24:11-12  If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?  

Psalms 139:13-14  For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  

 Forgiving Yourself and letting God use you (working title)   

   The abortion issue is a sensitive subject in our society today.  It is the one issue that has divided the American people in politics and religion over the last 32 years since the court case Roevs Wade made abortion on demand at any stage of pregnancy legal and a so called privacy issue.  Some see it as murder and some see it as a fundamental women's right over her body.  It is easy to get frustrated over all the rhetoric put forth from both sides of the issue and want to just avoid the subject all together.  I have heard Christians, who are to be salt and light to this world say things such as, "I can't change minds and only God can change hearts over this" or  simply "it is not my issue to be concerned over" and "These are The End Times, it is expected to have horrible things come about and there is not much we can do about it"  And while it is true we can not change hearts, we can plant seeds.  And yes, I do believe we are living in The End Times but we are to still be that shining light all the more in these dark days.  I can't remember the last time I heard a sermon from the pulpit that addressed how God sees abortion or how it is effecting our culture.  It hurts my heart greatly to see such apathy because for me, abortion is not just an issue or a political topic up for debate. 

When I hear the statics that every 23 seconds an abortion is performed in our country and that yearly 1.4 million unborn children loose their life in America due to abortion, I put a face and a heart beat to each number and it makes me weep that this is an exceptable norm in America, how much more does it hurt our Lord's heart?.   I know the pain of abortion, the consequences and after effects.  I take this issue very personally because I myself had an abortion when I was 15 yrs old. 

Sadly I am apart of the statistic that says 45% of women under 47 yrs old who has bought into the lie that abortion helps women.  I am that one in three women sitting in our pews who has been hurt by abortion.  I am the face of the women going into the clinic scared and confused and walking out with such a deep pain it takes between 5-11 years to face exactly what I have done to my child and my body.  I am the subject that is avoided in polite conversation.  

With abortion there are two victims, the innocent child that is formed in the womb waiting to be born and the womenwho is making that "choice" to end her child's life. (that's all I got so far)  

While I do feel that everything said there is true and needs to be said.. I am not sure if there is a nicer way of putting it all?? Maybe not.  But I need to finish it and finish it like..TODAY!  

And that is just some of my life updates.  I miss reading everyone's and sorry I have been away.. I just cant seem to keep up with my e-mail and alerts with how busy I have been lately.  It is always like that when Josh is home *wink*

And they call it puppy love!

Josh finally did it!  He broke me down and we got a puppy for the children (ha ha you mean for Josh)   We went to the animal shelter today to just "look" and of course once you are in love you can't leave the poor thing in such a place.  While the other kids were at school we took Sophia and she was sooooo excited.  She choose the name too.  So meet our little fur baby girl, Valentine.  She is a Lab/Shepherd mix and about 2 1/2 months old.  She is very sweet and shy still and missing her brothers.  But our kitty Gabriel is warming up to her and they have been playing some.  I am not sure if the mirror on the floor is good for her or not.. if it will make her miss her brothers she was in the cage with or give her some entertainment?    In the next few days we will be getting a crate for her and doing the crate training and potty training.  I hope to get better pics soon (ugh camera phone quality is nil).

Me and My Big Mouth! : )

I was waiting till I heard the final word today before I posted or breathed anything about it.. for me it is very exciting..... Monday, February 27th  I am going to be on the Radio!  Amy and I are going to give a 15 min. interview about Silent No More on KJSL 630 AM with Debra Peppers in the 3:15 time spot!!

How did that happen you may wonder?? LOL

Well... for one KJSL is one of my favorite  Christen Talk Radio stations.  I hardly listen to the radio these day.. mostly when I am driving and it has not been all that often lately.  I found KJSL on the AM dial early in my Christian walk and have found that station to be very encouraging.  Angela Michaels who is very active at standing outside the Granite City Hope(less) Clinic For Women used to be on the morning show, often when I would listen on the way to taking the kids to school and I give her credit in part for shearing my conscious about my own abortion.  Listening to interviews on Debra Peppers show in the afternoon drive time with women with the PRC now and then, helped me in realizing some of the feelings I was having and the hurt I was feeling was normal and I was not alone, help was out there.  I can still remember the tears shed listening to some of these programs and knowing it was God using these voices on the other end to lead me into my own healing and forgiveness.  So you can see for me.. how this has all come full circle?

January 23 I was getting ready to pick up Lilly from school.  I was taking a shower, one of the only other times I listen to the radio and was pleased to hear the focus of the show was about Prolife issues.  In fact I was taking my sweet time so I could hear the full interview with the Women from Right To Life who was in Washington at the March For Life.  She was talking with Debra on her cell as women from Silent No More were giving their testimonies in the background and that lead into what Silent No More was and the beginning steps in recovering from an abortion and the stress and heart ach from it.  Oh you know my ears were glued and I was disappointed that I had to miss some of it because I had to get Sophia dressed and ready to get in the van.  As I drove to the school my mind was swimming with questions like.. do they know there is a local Silent No More group? And why haven't they given a plug for the PRC's Post Abortion Bible Study yet??  Ohh if only I could call in.   I got to Lilly's school about ten min. early so I was able to sit and listen more.  Often I have wished for a cell phone while I listen to the radio in the car but didn't have one until just recently.  I took mine out and looked up Amy's cell number and my own, writing them down and then waited for them to give out the stations studio line's number.  I wasn't sure if I was going to call or not but thought it would be good to have those handy. 

Towards the end of the program Debra opened up the studio line for calls with Praise reports and Prayer Requests.. I thought well this is just as good as time as ever, I'll just give a quick plug for Silent No More and give out Amy's number since she is the Saint Louis Contact/coordinator.  My heart fluttered with nerves as the line rang and as I talked to the person screening the calls.  My call had made it threw and I was on hold till the last caller was done talking.  It felt like forever and I was starting to loose my nerve (don't you all know how shy I am.. this all had to be the Holy Spirit moving) and it was getting close to when I had to get Lilly.. but I waited for my turn to be on air.  I had to settle Sophia and Annie in the back telling them I was on hold and was going to be on the radio.. but I had to turn the radio off.. they groaned because ofcourse they wanted to hear mommy on air lol.  Then just like that Debra was on the line greeting me and I went into why I called.. about how I was listening earlier and that I was apart of a local Silent No More group and wanted to give out the Contact info.  After I did that it is something of a blurr... she asked form my testimony (my mind froze on how to give the shortened version lol) and I don't even know what all I said, I know I talked about the PRC and the Post Abortion Bible Study and Counseling.  We talked a good long five min and if you know anything that is a long time of radio time.  Then she said she needs to have Amy and me on for an interview some time.. and ofcourse I said that would be great lol.  And I gave my numbers to her producer. 

I would like to say I forgot all about it till this week when the producer called but really it has been in the back of my mind the whole time.  It took alot of restrain for me to not post about it here.. I didn't want to have another TIME snafu by saying I was going to be in some media and then it fall threw.  But Lord willing.. it is all set!  You can listen online too!  Ofcourse I am going to be getting a tape of it and see about posting it afterwards but if you would like to hear it live you can online.  To me this is way cooler then TIME or even getting to go to Jeff-City.  I get to see the inside of the studio for a station I love and meet one of the on air personalities that is one of the most encouraging women you can ever hope to meet.  I pray that it all goes well.. the right person or people will be listening, and I can play a part in some one finding healing like others have done with me.  God is just so awesome in how he orchestrates everything!

As the date gets closer I will repost the link and a reminder to listen.  Please Please Please keep me in prayer as I prepare my heart and mind for this interview and ask The Holy Spirit to move threw me.  All Glory be unto God!

History captured via camera phone

Newly appointed Supreme Court Justice Alito sworn in by recent appointment Chief Judge Roberts as the President looks on.

 

Alito makes warm remarks.

 

I couldn't help but want to take a picture of these tv screen shots (wishing for a new dig camera ugh) and want to document what I think is a Historic moment.  Time and perspective will tell if it will be a day looked back on with a smile or with deep regret.  I'm praying for the best.

Big Bro.. um.. I mean Google ..

Big Google is watching you - Sunday Times - Times Online Very interesting (and maybe a bit scary) article about Google, how Google works and it's potential to " destroy the publishing industry, the newspaper business, high street retailing and our privacy."

One tidbit of info I didn't know about Google was that they download and copy the Internet and then catalog it for it's searches.  So beware.. what you put up on the web, what you blog about today.. you can't just delete it and think it will go away.. it is out there.. on a computer somewhere.. and that computer knows who you are, your computer's IP address and all sorts of other info.. 

Can you see where this is going or could go???   Heaven forbid we get a World Government like China where they jail people just for searching out key words... or you blog something unfavorable about them.

 

Shoot they are probably watching me right now.. *looks around concerned*.. I better go.  burning my computers now.

Just kidding of course but I can see a time when that would not be so funny.  It's getting close folks.. be prepared.. in your heart.. build up treasure where it can not be stolen, or where it will not rust.. Jesus IS coming soon.