Often times God will use certain people or events to help us understand and appreciate Him on a more intimate level. I had the priviledge of experiencing one of those moments at a conference in Columbus, GA for life affirming ministries.
The first evening of the conference was highlighted by an amazingly talented choir that blessed the attendees by leading a session of praise and worship. Just before the last song of the evening, one of the choir members, Charlie, slowly made his way up to the front of the stage. Charlie was the lead vocalist for the final song, "The Anchor Holds".
As Charlie was making his way forward, Pastor Andy Merritt informed us that Charlie had been battling throat cancer. The doctors informed him he would lose his voice and therefore would not be able to sing again. Though Charlie still has his voice, he has lost some of his ability to sing at the level he used to. And so as Charlie was coming forward there was another gentleman making his way up front to assist Charlie in hitting the high notes of the song. Charlie was not standing alone. He had help with the task before him.
This was such a powerful visual of how God helps all of us with hitting the high notes of life. Where we can't, He can. Where we fall short, He raises us up.
Love,
Anne
Friday, December 26, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Time Goes By
All three of our granddaughters play volleyball. It is amazing to me the things that God can do at a volleyball game.
I am known as the "snack grandma". I always bring a small pull suitcase with lots and lots of snacks. The entire team pays me a visit to look at what I have brought this time. In many cases I have taken the time to learn their favorite snacks.
I love my job as the "snack grandma" and I take my responsibility very seriously. I check my bag when I get home each time and make my trip to the store to refill. I remember things they have said as they are going through my bag. Sometimes they will sit around me and my bag and talk to each other while they eat. I pay attention and I pray for them.
A father of one of the girls approached me and asked if I remembered him. I had noticed him and could not figure out how I might know him. He shared with me that when he was 17 he and his pregnant girlfriend had spent time with me. Their child is now 17 years old and a senior in high school. A child saved from abortion. A great reason to celebrate!
Volleyball, snacks and celebration! Now that's what I call a good sports event.
Love,
Anne
I am known as the "snack grandma". I always bring a small pull suitcase with lots and lots of snacks. The entire team pays me a visit to look at what I have brought this time. In many cases I have taken the time to learn their favorite snacks.
I love my job as the "snack grandma" and I take my responsibility very seriously. I check my bag when I get home each time and make my trip to the store to refill. I remember things they have said as they are going through my bag. Sometimes they will sit around me and my bag and talk to each other while they eat. I pay attention and I pray for them.
A father of one of the girls approached me and asked if I remembered him. I had noticed him and could not figure out how I might know him. He shared with me that when he was 17 he and his pregnant girlfriend had spent time with me. Their child is now 17 years old and a senior in high school. A child saved from abortion. A great reason to celebrate!
Volleyball, snacks and celebration! Now that's what I call a good sports event.
Love,
Anne
Friday, November 28, 2008
Provision
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want - Psalm 23:1
Over the years Jim and I have learned a lot about God's provision. We have seen God provide food, clothing, chickens...and the list could go on and on. Sometimes I think back over the years and am amazed at how God continues to care for us one day at a time.
I hope you know the reality of God's provision in your life.
Some time ago I was really into red. I had been able to get a red bedspread and I was very excited about it. Now I am into green, but at the time red was my color.
A young woman who had lived with us was visiting family in the area. She called and asked if she could come and see us. I was delighted. It was agreed that she would stay for the day. She was married; her and her husband did not have much materially.
As I showed her around our home, she noticed my red bedspread and exclaimed that red was her favorite color, too. I asked her if she had decorated her home with any red. She said no, that she did not have a bedspread and they just lived with what they could get from various sources.
Immediately, the Lord spoke to me about my bedspread. Did I tell you how much I loved it at the time? I argued with the Lord most of they day, but as it was time for her to leave I found obedience was the answer. I took her into the bedroom and gave her the bedspread. The look on her face made it all worth it.
Two days went by and a large package came in the mail. It was from another former girl who had lived with us. She said she was shopping and the Lord told her to buy me a bedspread and curtains. They were not red, but they were beautiful and much better quality than the ones I had.
The scripture is basic yet it tells us two things; One is that God will guide us and show us the way. The second is that we will not want.
I pray that each of you will know and feel assured of God's care, direction and provision.
Anne
Over the years Jim and I have learned a lot about God's provision. We have seen God provide food, clothing, chickens...and the list could go on and on. Sometimes I think back over the years and am amazed at how God continues to care for us one day at a time.
I hope you know the reality of God's provision in your life.
Some time ago I was really into red. I had been able to get a red bedspread and I was very excited about it. Now I am into green, but at the time red was my color.
A young woman who had lived with us was visiting family in the area. She called and asked if she could come and see us. I was delighted. It was agreed that she would stay for the day. She was married; her and her husband did not have much materially.
As I showed her around our home, she noticed my red bedspread and exclaimed that red was her favorite color, too. I asked her if she had decorated her home with any red. She said no, that she did not have a bedspread and they just lived with what they could get from various sources.
Immediately, the Lord spoke to me about my bedspread. Did I tell you how much I loved it at the time? I argued with the Lord most of they day, but as it was time for her to leave I found obedience was the answer. I took her into the bedroom and gave her the bedspread. The look on her face made it all worth it.
Two days went by and a large package came in the mail. It was from another former girl who had lived with us. She said she was shopping and the Lord told her to buy me a bedspread and curtains. They were not red, but they were beautiful and much better quality than the ones I had.
The scripture is basic yet it tells us two things; One is that God will guide us and show us the way. The second is that we will not want.
I pray that each of you will know and feel assured of God's care, direction and provision.
Anne
Friday, November 14, 2008
Transitions
It seems to me that many people are going through transitions in their lives. We just recently moved our home and our offices within a week of each other. Now that's what I call transition!
As we were going through this transition I was reminded of a woman giving birth. The final stage before birth is called transition. The labor pains are close and hard and many times women think they will never have another child.
Several years ago I was in the birthing room with a 13 year old young woman. She was living with us and now it was time. She had participated in childbirth classes and everything was ready. As her labor progressed and transition started she sat up in the bed and offered me her entire month's allowance if I would get her out of there. I told her even if we moved locations she would still be in pain so we had to stay put. Another half hour went by before she sat up again screaming, "I'll give you two months allowance." Needless to say, we stayed put.
Once the child comes, feelings change and a sense of joy occurs. The women would be more than willing to suffer twice the pain to receive this child.
When we go through transitions in life we need to remember that the transition itself can be hard, but the end result can be glorious and we are changed.
When God says go, we need to go or do no matter what the cost. If He says stop, we need to stop.
Lord, give us all the ability to hear you and respond no matter how much transition occurs.
Love,
Anne
As we were going through this transition I was reminded of a woman giving birth. The final stage before birth is called transition. The labor pains are close and hard and many times women think they will never have another child.
Several years ago I was in the birthing room with a 13 year old young woman. She was living with us and now it was time. She had participated in childbirth classes and everything was ready. As her labor progressed and transition started she sat up in the bed and offered me her entire month's allowance if I would get her out of there. I told her even if we moved locations she would still be in pain so we had to stay put. Another half hour went by before she sat up again screaming, "I'll give you two months allowance." Needless to say, we stayed put.
Once the child comes, feelings change and a sense of joy occurs. The women would be more than willing to suffer twice the pain to receive this child.
When we go through transitions in life we need to remember that the transition itself can be hard, but the end result can be glorious and we are changed.
When God says go, we need to go or do no matter what the cost. If He says stop, we need to stop.
Lord, give us all the ability to hear you and respond no matter how much transition occurs.
Love,
Anne
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Good Men
I have been very blessed to have had three generations of good men in my life. I had a grandfather that I adored, a father who loved me beyond words and a husband who has been an incredible father to our children and the many children God has given us.
Sometimes when I am working with a young woman I will ask her to tell me about her father. Most often I get a response such as "I don't have a father" or "I don't like to talk about him." It is very rare that I get a positive response.
It has broken my heart over and over again as I have thought about the loss of not having a good father. In the United States, approximately one in three children do not live with their biological fathers. Fatherlessness has become an epidemic, but we can help rebuild and change society.
There is so much healing to be done and we must be willing to reach out to one life at a time to bring healing and hope.
A few years ago I wrote two brochures to help youg women and young men know What Is A Father and The ABC's Of Being A Good Father. I did this because I know that many did not even know what a father is or what he is supposed to be.
Remember as you minister to get back to the basics. By teaching them about fathers and their importance you are actually moving them closer to understanding God as a father.
Love,
Anne
Sometimes when I am working with a young woman I will ask her to tell me about her father. Most often I get a response such as "I don't have a father" or "I don't like to talk about him." It is very rare that I get a positive response.
It has broken my heart over and over again as I have thought about the loss of not having a good father. In the United States, approximately one in three children do not live with their biological fathers. Fatherlessness has become an epidemic, but we can help rebuild and change society.
There is so much healing to be done and we must be willing to reach out to one life at a time to bring healing and hope.
A few years ago I wrote two brochures to help youg women and young men know What Is A Father and The ABC's Of Being A Good Father. I did this because I know that many did not even know what a father is or what he is supposed to be.
Remember as you minister to get back to the basics. By teaching them about fathers and their importance you are actually moving them closer to understanding God as a father.
Love,
Anne
Friday, October 3, 2008
Staying Plugged In
I am noticing more and more the ebb and flow of life. It is important to work and it is important to rest, but most of all it is important to stay connected to God.
Recently we co-hosted a Christian Housing Retreat with Christian Life Home in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our keynote speaker was Pastor Andy Merritt from Edgewood Baptist Church. For those of you who are not familiar with Andy, he is on the the hero's of the pro-life community.
At the conference he talked about plugging into the power of God through prayer. "There is no power in prayer in and of itself. Power resides in the person of God alone. Prayer is the means to plug into God's person in order to receive power to execute God's plan."
May we all stay plugged into the power of God and from that be a light in a sea of darkness.
Anne
P.S. Every other year Andy's church hosts a conference for all pro-life ministries. The primary purpose is to encourage and strengthen all of us. Jim and I have never missed one of his conferences. The next conference will take place in March 2009. If you are interested in more information, please email me at anne@lovingandcaring.org.
Recently we co-hosted a Christian Housing Retreat with Christian Life Home in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our keynote speaker was Pastor Andy Merritt from Edgewood Baptist Church. For those of you who are not familiar with Andy, he is on the the hero's of the pro-life community.
At the conference he talked about plugging into the power of God through prayer. "There is no power in prayer in and of itself. Power resides in the person of God alone. Prayer is the means to plug into God's person in order to receive power to execute God's plan."
May we all stay plugged into the power of God and from that be a light in a sea of darkness.
Anne
P.S. Every other year Andy's church hosts a conference for all pro-life ministries. The primary purpose is to encourage and strengthen all of us. Jim and I have never missed one of his conferences. The next conference will take place in March 2009. If you are interested in more information, please email me at anne@lovingandcaring.org.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Long Haul
Who would have ever believed that when abortion was legalized in the 70's that we would still have abortion in 2008. Jim and I were working for life when Roe versus Wade was decided. In the early years we organized, put substantial time and effort and money into this great cause to save lives. We believed the battle would be short and yet it has gone one for years and years. Why?
Many of us have spent time, effort and prayer over young women we work with. We do all we can to offer love and support. I have cried myself to sleep over many women that I have had the opportunity to live with and serve. Just yesterday I had a young man in my office and I woke up in the night to pray for him and his situation. I cried out for his soul and for him to identify with his fatherhood.
Yet, sometimes is spite of all we do they continue to make bad decisions and sometimes have an abortion. We are left asking the question - Why?
There have been several things I have learned as I pondered the "Why" question:
Many of us have spent time, effort and prayer over young women we work with. We do all we can to offer love and support. I have cried myself to sleep over many women that I have had the opportunity to live with and serve. Just yesterday I had a young man in my office and I woke up in the night to pray for him and his situation. I cried out for his soul and for him to identify with his fatherhood.
Yet, sometimes is spite of all we do they continue to make bad decisions and sometimes have an abortion. We are left asking the question - Why?
There have been several things I have learned as I pondered the "Why" question:
- We must not give up
- We must understand we are seed planters. God is the harvester. There can be no harvest, if there are no seeds. Be thankful for every seed you plant
- We are bringing the Kingdom of God on earth, bit by bit, person by person
- We need to remember how steadfast and patient God has been with us. Our steadfastness and our patience is our gift to Him
Love,
Anne
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
When There's Not Enough
Lately, as I talk with other ministries I am hearing the same words over and over again..."There is simply not enough money to do what we need to do." This is certainly a reality at Loving & Caring.
Each day as we look at our mail, I find myself crying out to God asking Him to lift the financial burden. Then I realize that there are some things I can do and learn in this journey:
As you consider your financial situation, ask yourself if you are rejoicing, understanding the battle, accepting correction, keeping a positive attitude and sharing with others. If you are prospering during this time, pray for those and consider a gift to help. When I do these things, the Lord reminds me of how faithful and glorious He has been all these years.
Love,
Anne
Each day as we look at our mail, I find myself crying out to God asking Him to lift the financial burden. Then I realize that there are some things I can do and learn in this journey:
- "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice." - Philippians 4:4
- Over the years I have found there are always areas in my life and the ministry which need adjustment and correction. When finances are tight the Lord will bring to mind the things that need correction or growth. In the end I find my faith has grown and I am strengthened.
- We need to realize that God, not Satan, is in control and does provide. In all the years Jim and I have ministered (36) we have never gone hungry or without a roof over our heads. "I have been young, and now I am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or His descendants begging bread." - Psalm 37:25
- I have learned to pray for other ministries even in the midst of my own need. As I pray for others my own burden is lifted.
As you consider your financial situation, ask yourself if you are rejoicing, understanding the battle, accepting correction, keeping a positive attitude and sharing with others. If you are prospering during this time, pray for those and consider a gift to help. When I do these things, the Lord reminds me of how faithful and glorious He has been all these years.
Love,
Anne
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
My first post!
Hi Everyone!
This is my first post on my new blog! There will be more to come!
Love,
Anne
This is my first post on my new blog! There will be more to come!
Love,
Anne
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