UPDATED....One of My Heroes

I have been coming across people through the news and internet that truly are heroes to me. They may not think of themselves that way, but their stories compell me to respect them and want to help spread their story.


One such woman is Gianna Jessen.

Gianna's mom had a legal abortion while she was in her third trimester of pregnancy.

Here is a clip of her bio:

Gianna Jessen does not quit. Giving up is not an option to her. Gianna has what she refers to as the "gift" of Cerebral Palsy. She weighed a mere 2 lbs at birth and the doctors said she would never be able to hold up her head, sit up, crawl or walk. She began to walk by the age of three years old with the help of leg braces and a walker.

Gianna doesn’t believe that her Cerebral Palsy takes away her life, but, rather, enriches it. . . she walks with a slight limp today and runs marathons. On April 30, 2005 she completed her first 26.2 mile marathon after running just over 7 hours and was presented with the coveted blank blank award! On April 23, 2006 she completed the London Marathon as well. She is now determined to run marathons all over the place, because she was never supposed to even walk!

Gianna understands the plight of orphans, being one herself. She was placed into the foster care system early on in life, eventually being taken into the loving home of a woman named Penny. Penny has been a mother to 56 foster children in her life. Gianna was later adopted by Penny's daughter, making Penny Gianna's grandmother. According to Gianna, Penny saved her life.

Gianna is a Christian. Her life was given to her by the grace of God. She shouldn't be walking, but more miraculous still; she should not even be alive. Gianna's biological mother was 17 when she had a saline abortion in her third trimester. Many Americans don’t realize it is legal to have an abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy. After being burned alive for approximately 18 hours in the womb from the saline solution, Gianna was delivered alive in a Los Angeles County abortion clinic. Her medical records state, "born during saline abortion"...this is what caused her Cerebral Palsy.



Did you know that according to Barack Obama, she should not have had the right to live?


As an Illinois state senator, Barack Obama twice opposed legislation to define as "persons" babies who survive late-term abortions. Babies like Gianna.


Mr. Obama said in a speech on the Illinois Senate floor that he could not accept that babies wholly emerged from their mother's wombs are "persons," and thus deserving of equal protection under the Constitution's 14th Amendment.

A federal version on the same legislation passed the Senate unanimously and with the support of all but 15 members of the House.

Gianna was present when President Bush signed the Born Alive Infants Protection Act in 2002.


When Gianna was asked to reflect on Mr. Obama's candidacy, she paused, then said, "I really hope the American people will have their eyes wide open and choose to be discerning. . . . He is extreme, extreme, extreme."

************************************************



You can get more information about Gianna's story by reading her book:
"Aborted and Lived to Tell About It"

Here is a link to her website:
Gianna Jessen

Thank you Gianna for sharing your story and touching hearts with the power of God's amazing grace!

UPDATE

Since I wrote this, I saw a new story about the fact that it has actually been 3 times that Barack Obama has voted against the life of a child who survives an abortion.
He agrees with some that the child should be left to starve.


TODAY, I had the news on and was listening to Barack Obama's speech about patriotism.
I couldn't believe my ears when he quoted the Declaration of Independence...
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Did you catch the word he omitted???
LIFE

I was shocked that he would so blatantly leave the word life out, but he did.
I think this speaks to his heart and obviously what he believes.

I realize that I'm "messing" a bit, but I feel that I have a voice- small as it may be- and I want to use it.
I was never going to vote for him, but now I can give a strong answer for "why" I would never vote for him. I believe that we should not be driven by what party a candidate is, but we should be compelled by the truth of what they believe and would bring about in this country.

What's you niche?

Do you ever hear something and say, "oh I am sooo going to blog about that?"
I know you do!
I had one of those moments last night.


Hubby and I were watching tv late last night....let me clarify this picture for you...


I was laying next to him in the bed while he was channel surfing and stopping on any particular channel just long enough for me to either:

1. Wish he would leave it on this channel.

2. Cringe as he slowed down on something like...the worst job guy or the oil drillers or worse yet...the horrible show about the men out on the crab boats for months at a time- surely the most depressing tv out there!



So back to my story. He's flipping through channels and he passes (quickly I might add) the one with Denise Richards reality show. Now, I have never watched this show and don't have a very high opinion of her but I was curiuos, so I said- "oh can we watch that for just a minute?!"


Sighing, he complied.


Well, she was sitting with a young man, who turned out to be her nephew, explaining why she had appeared in a certain pornographic magazine.

When we stopped on it she was saying, "do you have any questions, do you understand?" And this young man was just sitting there blushing and shaking his head no.

She then went on to explain to him that she makes a living being sexy. "It's my niche" she said.


At that point, I shouted "Her niche?! Are you kidding me???!!!"

Seeing where this was going, Mark quickly turned the channel, I'm sure hoping to avoid a 20 minute dialogue on how shallow and ridiculous that was.


I ended my outburst with, "I am soooo going to blog about that!"
To which he smiled, rolled his eyes and said "of course you are" then stopped the channel on the second Bourne movie as he knew that would capture my attention and distract my rantings.
(Love the Bourne movies!)


So my point is, she truly believed that was her niche. First of all, can I tell you how sad that is? Yes, I know that many women live this way, but to hear it so blatantly declared on national tv and yet seem proud of this niche. Oh girls, please let us have a more important and purposeful niche! I am sure God has a much better niche for her, but unfortunately she has not found it yet and she is settling for a shallow and meaningless existence.


Let's not make the same mistake.
Let's not forget the high calling on our lives.

Here's a niche for you...
to find joy in who our God is and live that joy out
in front of this world to draw them to His heart!

Love this verse:
Exodus 9:16
But I have raised you up for this very purpose,
that I might show you my power
and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
NIV



Yes, pray for Denise. She's a living human being who needs to know her Savior.


Pray also that God would show you the niche He's given you so that you could show others His goodness. And if you already know it...let it shine girl!


My hope is in Him,
Sue

Let's Live It!

2 Timothy 4:1-5

1 And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus — who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom:

2 Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not.
Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching.
They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers
who will tell them whatever they want to hear.

4 They will reject the truth and follow strange myths.

5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation.
Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord.
Work at bringing others to Christ.
Complete the ministry God has given you.
NLT

You skimmed through it, now go back and read every word.
It's a powerful verse for our lives, how does it apply to your life?

Prov 23:12
Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge.
NIV

******************************************************

I just HAD to edit this and add this incredible video that my neighbor sent me (thanks Sheila!)

I know it is longer and many won't take the time to watch videos, but this one if truly worth it! It gets better and better as it goes along and will touch every heart!

If you have any influence at your church, I'd recommend it for every congregation!!
Be blessed- I was...and grab a kleenex!

Two shall become One ~ Coping With Infidelity

Mark and I have spent plenty of time with couples faced with the problem of infidelity and I have personally sat down with women who were on the verge of stepping into or full-into an affair. The reprocussions are devastating and sometimes destroy the marriage altogether.

This article is very good. It breaks down the anatomy of an affair and reveals why and how affairs happen.

If you have not dealt with this, I'm sure you know others that have. Read this and educate yourself on the pitfalls of same-sex friendships.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

Dear Dr. Harley,
I am female, 34 years old, and have been married 8 years. Lately, I have felt very ignored and restless in our relationship. I don't think my husband is aware of these feelings because I try to hide them, but they are in my heart. He buys me beautiful gifts and tries to give me his love and support. He has always been a very kind man, but he would rather watch TV and talk to our dog than talk with me. That's just the way he is.

Recently a man has come into my life that has rekindled feelings in me that have been dormant for a long time. I find myself thinking about him often and wish I could be with him. I feel so guilty and ashamed of these feelings, but nevertheless, they are there. I try not to think about him, but I do. I don't know if he feels the same way about me, but sometimes he looks at me in a way that gives me a signal that he might. Nothing has been said or done between us. I don't want to tell my husband about this because this man is my husband's best friend. There are things I can do to get closer to the "other man" if I will allow it to happen, but I'm afraid of the consequences. I feel I'm at a crossroads. I'm sure you've heard this type of story before. I would value your opinion. I cannot talk to anyone about this.

R.J.


Here is the article: Coping With Infidelity

I'm praying for our marriages!
Much love,
Sue

I have been blessed!

Hello!
We are back from a long weekend in Illinois. We left last Wednesday and got home late last night. We had a really good time, met lots of people and hung out with old friends.

I met a young mom named Heather that is working on starting a trackside ministry along with her husband and a minister friend. They hope to have services at tracks in Minnesota and she is reaching out by offering coffee to moms. She was a real sweetie and told me about the book she was reading, The Bait of Satan. I've read this book years ago and remember what an impact it had on my life. So I wanted to pass along the info to you all.

Very powerful, if you are struggling in your church or relationships at all, get this one.

Are you ensnared by bitterness, seized by anger, held captive by
resentment because someone has offended you?
Bevere shows you how to escape
Satan's grip, avoid a victim mentality, practice forgiveness, experience
reconciliation, and remain free in Christ. Features updated anecdotal
stories and testimonies, and an extensive study guide for individuals or
small groups.

I also wanted to share this song with you. I'm not as thrilled with the video as I am with the song, it really touches my heart and "brings me home."

It is my current favorite in the ipod... but I also like this and this and that... (I always have a million favorites!!)

It helps me remember what is truly important these days!!!!

Love,
Sue

Two shall become One ~ The Generous Wife

I don't know why I haven't done this sooner, but I want to share a website with you that will bless your marriage.
It is called The Generous Wife.
It offers daily ideas and encouragment for wives.

"I know that generosity won't cure all marriage ailments, but I sincerely believe
it will cure many. I offer this list to women as a way of beginning to change
the atmosphere in their marriages from one of distance to one of intimacy and
mutual respect." The Generous Wife

You can sign up (I did, and I really like them) for her email list and receive daily tips and reminders to bless your husband.

"Everyday you'll receive an idea geared to bless your husband
(a mix of romantic, practical, sexual, relational, and spiritual). Use the ideas
that will work for you and use the rest to spark your imagination in looking for
ways to bless your husband." The Generous Wife

There are also articles and a bulletin board full of questions and answers.

Disclaimer: I may not always agree with all of the women on the bulletin board, but overall I think it is a great tool for wives.

Check it out!
The Generous Wife

Oldest and Youngest

Matt and his dirtbike...

Lauren and her...quad...
(Notice the gnarly boots!)

In These Days

Is it just me or do you see the unraveling of this world around us?

So much heartache and fear.
Floods
Storms
Famine
Earthquakes
Financial burdens
Families falling apart
Wars and more rumors of wars

I am not surprised to see these things, I believe we are seeing the birthpains of this world as we near the return of our Lord.

Matt 24: 6-8
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.
NIV

I have been reading some very interesting books about the days in which we live.
Joel Rosenberg has written several fictional novels about these last days and they are fascinating. Click on his name to read about how he has written novels that seem to be prophetic as the events in his books play out in the news today (after the books are written!).

But I have learned even more from his book:
"The Epicenter" which is non-fiction and explains so much about what is happening in the world and why.

If you are interested in end-time events, I encourage you to read it- you will love it and it will help you understand much of what you hear in the headlines today.

Here are some links for you:
Joel Rosenberg’s Blog Which he updates regularly in regards to the news of the day.
Understanding Ezekiel 38 & 39 Very interesting!

I am not saying any of this to bring fear, I believe that we should be aware of the significance of the things happening in our world.
Does that mean that we should gather our children and hide, absolutely not.
This is not a time to fear, but a time to draw closer to the Lord. It is a time for faith and dependency in our God.

Isa 57:15
For this is what the high and lofty One says — He who lives forever, whose name is holy:
"I live in a high and holy place,
but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.
NIV

If the present days have overwhelmed you. If you are personally feeling the effects of this economy or even more personal attacks of the enemy- depression, discouragement...

Let Him who is Holy, revive you!

2 Cor 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. NKJV

Personally, I would prefer NOT to go through any types of tribulations or troubles, but he clearly says we will, and that we need to rely on the only One who can truly comfort us. Then in turn, comfort others with the truth and hope of the Word of God.

As we abandon ourselves to the One who created us and acknowledge Him as Lord of our lives, we will be filled with His peace. It's a peace that without Him- is impossible.

It's real, it's comforting, it's powerful! Because He's real, He's comforting and He's powerful!

Two shall become One

I need to start with a personal note here and thank you all so much for the prayers and sweet words of encouragment. I have great news...after 2 nights of wearing the wrist support- the pain is GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so thankful!!!!
Our God is faithful!!!!

I have been thinking alot about how easy it is to get in the rut of just plugging through our days and not taking the time to do the extra special things that make our husbands and family feel loved.

This week is going to be real simple, let's do something special for our husband and each member of our family this week to let them know that they are important to us.

Maybe it's a certain meal or dessert, maybe it's just setting the table like company is coming over- just for the family!
It may be a "thing" that you get or a "thing" that you do, but let's take a little time out of our busy-hectic schedule to love on our family members this week.

I would love to hear your ideas and "reports" on what you do and how your family responded!

Ephesians 5:15-21
15 Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ
NIV

Have a wonderful week ladies!
I'm praying for our marriages,
Sue

June Praise and Coffee Winner!

The winner is:

Christina at Mustard Seeds
Check out her blogs they are really cool!

Congratulations Christina!

Two shall become One will be on Wednesday this week!!!! :)

My Diagosis...

Well, it was a rough weekend girls!

I been in a lot of pain in my hands and arms, especially at night. There's nothing like walking around the race track at 3AM because I can't get feeling in my hands and the pain was so great that I thought I would pass out. If we had not been so far from home, I would have gone onto emergency for sure.

I ended up going into the doctor this morning and he believes I have carpal tunnel. I can't believe I overlooked all the obvious symptoms, but a couple months ago I asked our family doctor if I could have it and he didn't think so. Therefore I never looked into it.
Now that I have looked it up, the symptoms are classic.

So, I will keep up on the Two shall become One~ Tuesday posts and the monthly giveaways, but will otherwise be taking a bit of a break. I am typing this now with splints on and it is not easy-but you're worth it! :)

Thanks for all the prayers, I am relieved with the answer as my mind (and the enemy) was having a hay-day with my concern about the symptoms. My heart goes out to those with chronic pain.

My hope is in Him!
Sue

How Shall We Fight for Joy?

I read this on John Piper's website and wanted to share it with you.

How Shall We Fight for Joy?
By John Piper
January 1, 1995

1. Realize that authentic joy in God is a gift.

2. Realize that joy must be fought for relentlessly.

3. Resolve to attack all known sin in your life.

4. Learn the secret of gutsy guilt - how to fight like a justified sinner.

5. Realize that the battle is primarily a fight to see God for who he is.

6. Meditate on the Word of God day and night.

7. Pray earnestly and continually for open heart-eyes and an inclination for God.

8. Learn to preach to yourself rather than listen to yourself.

9. Spend time with God-saturated people who help you see God and fight the fight.

10. Be patient in the night of God's seeming absence.

11. Get the rest and exercise proper diet that your body was designed by God to have.

12. Make a proper use of God's revelation in nature.

13. Read great books about God and biographies of great saints.

14. Do the hard and loving thing for the sake of others (witness and mercy).

15. Get a global vision for the cause of Christ and pour yourself out for the unreached.

June Praise and Coffee Giveaway!

This month's Praise and Coffee giveaway is:

1 bag of Starbucks coffee

and

Steven Curtis Chapman's latest CD:

"This Moment, Cinderella Edition"

Leave a comment on THIS post to enter drawing.

One entry per person.

Drawing will be on June 10th.