Looking Beyond The Pictures....Freedom Conference 2016

Oh my heart!  The Lord ministered to me during this conference in ways I cannot even articulate at this time.  Some things were so sweet and others were hard, but gave LIFE!  I'm grateful that the vision of the pastors at Faith Covenant Church is to have a heart for DISCIPLESHIP!  

 

Who is Debbie Friley and what is a Discipleship ministry?   I've been asked these questions often as I share about how the Freedom Workshop (and Salt and Light Discipleship) has impacted and changed my life. They have been a vehicle the Lord has used to begin the work of molding, shifting, and transforming this heart of flesh into a heart that pants for her Jesus. (noticed the -ing that shows it's IN PROCESS)  

The Lord knew I needed extra help and so He sent Debbie to not only introduce me to this message, but to walk intimately by my side.  Debbie is a woman who LOVES HER JESUS.  She LOVES HIS PEOPLE.  She SPEAKS HIS TRUTH and WEAVES HIS GRACE into the hearts of thousands of people all over the world.  

Let me share some of her favorite (and famous) sayings:

• We're Better Together!
• Catch those foxes ladies!
• You are not a victim; you are VICTORIOUS!
• Nothing can happen without the Lords permission!
• We are working FROM the victory not FOR the victory!
• Three words will change your life..."COME TO ME"!
• Get FIESTY, Ladies!

Which brings me to a big part of our conference---The Photo Booth!

I had been at the church all day Thursday to help set up and was coming home a little tired. (But still super excited)  As I pulled  into my driveway the Lord reminded me of the Photo Booth we had at our church for Mother's day and an idea began to BLOOM!   I wanted to create one for our conference that had captions of Debbie's favorite saying's.  I thought I had lost my mind?!  Why would I add to the things to do, but I called my beloved sister  (Christa) and asked if she could help make the signs.  She took my over-the-top idea of hand painted signs and helped make it more doable with computer generated signs.  She even printed and glued them together for me.  They ended up turning out better!  Thank you, Christa!

PICTURES ARE WORTH A 1000 WORDS

Bernice and the girls somehow talked my boys into playing along.  They were not at the conference officially, but there to do all the heavy lifting and help in ways that blew me away!  I'm so proud of these strong young men God has given me.  The Lord showed me their servant hearts in ways I'd not discovered yet.  

We love you, Bernice!

BEHIND THE SCENES

Do you want to know what's hard about behind-the-scenes people?  They won't ever let you thank them or take their pictures.  This event could not have been any more beautiful and it had everything to do with the team God weaved together.  Leslie Gross and Jan Osborne have such sweet gifts that give attention to detail in ways I've never seen.  Leslie shared that she heard a pastor talk about exceptional hospitality and how that it impacted her heart.  I want you to know Leslie that his message impacted MY heart through your (and Jan's) giftings.

These were precious little Chinese boxes filled with candies for all the ladies.

The bookmarks probably took longer than anything else, but had one of the BIGGEST impacts!  Thank you, Paula and Leslie for spending so much time on this memento. I will treasure this bookmark always.   (The front is at the top of the page)

Debbie did an incredible job on our name tags.  They were preprinted, stamped, and had ribbon ready to go.  

We're Better Together!

"For the Lord your God is living among you.  He is a MIGHTY SAVIOR!  He will take delight in you with gladness.  With His love He will calm all your fears.  He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."  -- Zephaniah 3:17

This is just "some" of our servant team.  They were AMAZING!  We truly are BETTER TOGETHER!  We were trying to hurry and grab the picture before we began and missed a few. The Lord delights in His daughters!  What a privilege that we get to have moments of serving for HIS glory!

Affirmation Ballet opened our Saturday with the most beautiful worship dance I've ever seen.  It was to the song, "Say The Word".  

Listen to it here:  Say The Word

Chick-Fil-A is an amazing Christ centered business that graciously donated all of our lunch on Saturday!  Thank you so much to Chick-Fil-A 4th Street!  (BTW, your Kale salad was AMAZING)

Our delivery man who loves Jesus graciously prayed over our meal!  

One of my favorite moments was when this sweet trio sang, "Holy Spirit".

Listen Here:  Holy Spirit

AT-THE-EVENT

So grateful for this girl.  My Brandon loved her first and now she is a part of our family.  What joy to pray together as the Lord showered His presence throughout our time.  

 

Oh how I loved the women the Lord brought together.

 

Communion was a sweet time in HIS presence.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
    for the Lord has anointed me
    to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
    and to proclaim that captives will be released
    and prisoners will be freed.

~~  Isaiah 61:1

The Freedom Conference--Calvary Chapel

 

Affirmation Ballet performing Worship through dance at our Freedom Conference. 

My mom attended the Freedom Conference with me at Calvary Chapel. Not only was it her first time hearing the Freedom message, it was the first time she has ever heard me speak.  Living so far away we don't get to do as many girly things together as we'd like. It was a legacy moment in my life. I ❤️ her so much. 

It was a powerful morning filled with worship, teaching, encouragement, and more.

• Julie Caprio shared about praying with THANKSGIVING and PRAISE. 
• Mary (that's me) shared about RELATIONAL READING. 
• Debbie Friley shared about the POWER OF GOD's WORD
• Betty Selig shared about DIGGING DEEPER into God's Word. 

Ladies practicing Relational Reading

This was one of the highlights of my day. First, I grabbed my girlfriend DEE and together we modeled RELATIONAL READING. Then, we had all the gals break up into groups of two or three and practice using Psalm 103. As I walked through the tables I could hear precious words being offered up to the Lord. It took my breath away. I had a glimpse of God in heaven listening into the prayers of His people. My mind cannot conceive. 

 

After the conference we stopped by grandma's for a visit. Oh how I love these two precious faces.  It was the perfect ending to our big day!

Trying Something New ~ Start Planner

 The New Start Planner


First, let me tell you why I am trying something different than my beloved planner pad.  I HAVE LOVED/continue to love my planner pad.  I love how it makes sense to my big picture, big idea, right brain.  Over the past several years it has taught me how to create the habit of consistency with a planner.  I am grateful for my planner pad experience!

BUT...

I am in a new season where I am wanting to weave personal goals into my planning.  (I have been listing them in my bible journal, but then it gets lost as I continue to journal out other things)  The planner pad helped me to manage business and basic family responsibilities; it has helped me manage my responsibility to other people, but not so much for me personally. (Just not enough room)

I had actually considered purchasing TWO planner pads this year.  One for my meal planning and one for basic life.  (I still think that would work)

THEN...

several weeks ago I came across this little ad on Facebook for this new Start Planner and decided to watch the video.  I liked it!  I was intrigued!  I was a little overwhelmed.  I was preparing to go on the road to work events in Alabama and Cocoa Beach and so my brain could not handle thinking about doing something new.  But something weird happened.  While my friend was driving I found myself sneaking over to the website to read about the three planners they offered.  I began looking at testimonies.  I watched youtube videos. Essentially, I became secretly obsessed with this new little planner that had come into my world.


Let me tell you why I decided to give it a try:

1-I love that it has a goal section.  It gives you a place to dream in color.

2-Behind the big goal page are a few pages to break down how to accomplish the goals.

3-I love how the monthly spread is on two pages.   (My right brain needs to see it all together)

4-There is a daily page that I will take a picture of as soon as I use it.  It gives you 7 places to write every single day:

a)  Your actual schedule.  (Begins at 8am and goes until 9pm)

b)  15 lines for your to-do list

c)  The first three lines are in a box at the top of the page and called your, "TOP THREE". 

d)  A place to write what you're going to make for dinner at the bottom

e)  A box to write ideas

f)  A place to check off supplements and water intake

g)  A journaling space called, "MY DAY".  (I plan to journal the next morning about the big things that happened the day before.  It will be fun to go back years from now and see snippets of life. 

5-At the beginning of every month it has a place to record your health statistics and grocery list.  

I have hacked this section.  Even though there is a lot of room it would not be big enough for my large family. (4 big boys, a husband, a mom, and a grandma that we make dinner for often)  

Instead, I listed all my dinners for the month on one side, side dish ideas on the far other side, and I left the middle open for new recipes or ideas that come my way.  This way I can just look at the list when I set up my week. 

One of my concerns was size.  It fits perfectly in my purse and I don't find it heavy.  It's thicker than my planner pad, but that's because I am going from a weekly planner to a daily planner.  Only time will let me know truly if it's a good fit.

So, here is where I'm at:

1-I'm excited about the idea of having a daily place of goal setting and accountability.

2-I'm nervous about the learning curve.  (Can I be consistent daily?)

3-I'm really excited about the health aspect of planning meals, recording statistics, vitamins, etc.,)

4-I LOVE that it has pockets in the front and the back.

5-It makes my heart happy to support two women who are dreaming big and taking a chance financially to follow their dreams.

INTERESTING INFORMATION:

1-There are three planners to choose from:  Fancy Pants, Hustle, (mine)  Legit!

2-They began this one year ago and there first launch sold out in two days.

3-Those that started with them seem to stay with them and love them.

4-The creators are super connected to feedback and helping you figure out how to personalize.

Here is their website:  https://startplanner.com

Going from victim to VICTORIOUS!

We are not victims to situations where we feel unfairly treated. I have a dear friend whose daughter was unfairly treated in a college situation just this week. People gave their word, signed paperwork, and even confirmed, and then backed out at the last minute. It has left them in a very frustrating position. I've prayed and pondered this situation for my precious friend and her beloved daughter all week. THEN this morning I came across tJohn 19:10-11

PILATE TALKING TO JESUS: "Are you not aware that I have the authority either to free you or to crucify you?"

JESUS RESPONDING: "Any authority you have over me comes from above."

Sometimes the Lord allows unfair things to happen, but it is always for His glory. He sees our tomorrows but we only see today. His focus is not on our earthly gains, but the gains that cannot be measured with human eyes. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness. Your Word endures forever!

What To Do When Offended...

HAVE YOU BEEN HURT or OFFENDED BY SOMEONE YOU LOVE?  HAVE YOU IN A MOMENT OF FRUSTRATION SAID OR DONE SOMETHING THAT CAUSES HURT TO SOMEONE YOU LOVE?

"A mind focused on the flesh is doomed to death, but a mind focused on the Spirit will find full life and complete peace" --- Romans 8:6

Oh how many times have I built up cases in my head and in my heart when there is a bigger root?  This action brings death. We are not victims to our feelings or the actions of others..."The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but JESUS COMES TO GIVE LIFE! 

What does the Word tell me brings LIFE:

"Trust in and RELY CONFIDENTLY ON THE LORD with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and ACKNOWLEDGE AND RECOGNIZE HIM, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]." Proverbs 3:5-6

"The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm.”--Exodus 14:14

"Again I say , don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only starts fights. A SERVANT OF THE LORD MUST NOT QUARREL BUT BE KIND TO EVERYONE, be able to teach, and BE PATIENT (yikes) with difficult people. "---"2 Timothy 2:23-24  

Seeing CLEARLY...

"For now, we can only see a dim and blurry picture of things, as when we stare into polished metal. I realize that everything I know is only part of the big picture. But one day, when Jesus arrives, we will see clearly, face-to-face. In that day, I will fully know just as I have been wholly known by God." -- 1 Corinthians 13:12

This week I had a Jesus moment sitting in the opticians chair.  

This past year I have really noticed my eyesight getting worse.  Though I've used readers for the past few years it has slowly become more difficult. Then one morning I woke up and was supposed to start a new prescription.  As I tried to read the directions on the bottle I could NOT make out what it was saying. (No matter how far I held it from my face) It was a wake-up call.  I decided it was time to call in the professionals.  

After a thorough eye exam we discovered that I have stage one cataracts and that my eyes definitely needed some help in both reading and distance.  It took a little over a week before my glasses were ready to be picked up.  I was not prepared for how much this was going to change my life. 

OH.MY.WORD!  When my optician slide the glasses on my face and I gazed out at the office area I could not believe the difference.  I had NO IDEA that I had been living in a dimmed down world.  I had been viewing everything through a very subtle murkiness.  As I gazed through my new beautiful lenses my world was brighter, crisper and clearer.  I had no idea that I'd been walking around not seeing things clearly.

As I've begun living in this new brighter, crisper, clearer world I've wondered how many times I've walked around doing the same thing in my spiritual life.  Are there times when my spiritual eyesight is not what it should be?   In busyness does truth become law and grace become works.  Is it possible that in certain seasons or situations I am walking in a dimmed down spiritual state and I don't even know it?  

YES!

As I am entering a new season of rest and I am letting go of "things" and "responsibilities" I am finding my spiritual hunger is being stirred up and renewed.  It changes how I think, how I act, how I respond.  It fills me with a JOY that is not based on circumstances.  It breathes NEW LIFE into every part of my being.  I think of the promise in Psalm 103:

"When your soul is famished and withering, HE FILLS YOU with GOOD and BEAUTIFUL things....satisfying you as long as you live"! -- Psalm 103:5

Lord, help me to see you clearly.  Remind me that apart from YOU I can do NOTHING.  Help me to faithfully put on my spiritual glasses (The Word) every single day so that it brings a clarity and crispness to my life.  

Mary, do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.-- 2 Corinthians 4:18

My Younique Testimony!

It has been such a long time since I've posted in my beloved blog.  I've missed it, but have been so busy that I didn't want to post just for the sake of posting.  I wanted to have authentic things to share. Today was the first day in almost two years that I've felt a stirring to share my heart here.


Seven months ago the Lord led me to begin a new journey as an independent contractor with Younique skincare and cosmetics.  It's a home based business that I was just going to do to earn free product. (grinning as I type)   It has turned into something so much more.  

As I was reading through Genesis the other day the Lord spoke to my heart and I wanted to share my testimony:

"What's more, I am with you and I will protect you wherever you go, ONE DAY I WILL BRING YOU BACK to this land, I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised." --- Genesis 28:15

I love how God's timing is not our own.  My heart is so incredibly thankful that I can trust Him with my future.  I see today, but He sees tomorrow.  Please know that I realize that my little application I'm about to share is nothing compared to what God did for Jacob, but it's MY God story.

In 1998 I was going hog wild with my Mary Kay business.  I LOVED it.  I BREATHED it!  I WORKED it!  I had two small children and it was a place for me to play with adults.  The problem was that it was not the season. (I didn't know that at the time...I was young and had convinced myself that it was okay)   I had worked my way up to my second month of qualifying for my free car and was winning all kinds of awards.  To a 29 year old's heart that was so affirming and exciting.  And then...God sent me to this homeschooling orientation and it rocked my world. As Kim Coley poured out the vision of home education I knew, that I knew, that I knew, that I had been born to homeschool my children.  (I was as surprised as everyone else in my life)  


I thought I could do both, but suddenly Mary Kay lost it's excitement and glitter.  I was literally at an event in Tampa receiving a big award and when the gal handed me the microphone to say something, I heard the Lord whisper to my heart that it was time to lay down and pull in.  What?!  I looked out at an audience of over 1000 women and I could hear Him telling me that apart from Him the things of this world are temporal and fleeting.  I knew in that moment He was asking me to put it down.  After long conversations with my husband and many tears it was obvious that it was indeed His voice and I had to let my Mary Kay director know.  She was a believer and graciously accepted this even though it was going to greatly impact her life.  

Fast forward 17 years later.  I am getting to the end of this wonderful season of homeschooling and what does God do? He brings me to Younique.  I wasn't looking for it, but I had begun to think about what I would do next.  There was a stirring in my soul.  I was not prepared that God was going to give me something even better! (for me)   The JOY of doing something I LOVE in a season that fits has been unspeakable.  Laying down my Mary Kay business all those years ago felt hard and painful, but right.  However, God knew my future and that 17 years later He would give me the desire of my heart.  As Genesis 28:15 says, "ONE DAY I WILL BRING YOU BACK"   YES!  Yes, He will.  

With this new season comes a 47 year old woman who has had ample opportunity (through many many mistakes) to learn how to keep the main thing the main thing.  I've learned/am learning how to have fun, but how to catch myself when I begin to become distracted by the shiny things of this world.  His timing is unfathomable and PERFECT!   I have certainly not arrived, but God is giving me a chance to practice keeping my eyes on Him while doing what I LOVE to do!  I hold 1 John close to my heart...

"Mary, do not love this world or the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.  For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions.  These are not from the Father, but from the world.  And this world is quickly fading away, along with everything that people crave.  But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."

1 John 2:15-17