Bloom!

Here's a round-up of our favorite links from this month... Set Apart Girl Magazine As you may know, we love Leslie Ludy's online magazine and often recommend it.  Once again, we can't resist - the new July/August issue is simply outstanding and very encouraging.  So check it out and get ready to be inspired, refreshed, and encouraged! RAOK The other day a friend of mine and I were on a fun outing when we noticed a broken down car in the parking spot next to us.  My friend kindly asked if the couple would like a cold drink, since it was ninety degrees and quite hot.  The couple was very surprised and thanked us.  We may not have fixed their car problems, but we did a RAOK - random act of kindness - and brightened their day.  Be on the lookout for opportunities that the Lord puts in your path...whether it's a crying child, a lady who needs another dollar for a snack, or a family who needs a kind word.  Although it may be a random act of kindne...

A note from Joanna:  Camille and I met back in the fall of 2009, when we spent a few weeks together learning and teaching the Character First! (now In the Gap program) Education program in Oklahoma City public schools.  Camille is a young lady with a kind word for everyone and a heart for reaching children for the Lord.  Listen in as we talk with Camille and hear a bit about her life... When did you come to know Christ?  What has your journey been like?  I came to know Christ as a child.  My journey has started out slow and has gotten faster to the point where I am at now. This past year I had the experience of knowing what it was like to abide in Christ...and how everything revolved around God and reading the Bible.  I remember one morning waking up and forgetting to read my Bible. I started my day and it just didn't feel right to not read my Bible so I had to go back and read it...and that has never happened to me bef...

Does summer seems to be flying by for you?  For me, that's certainly true.  It's hard to believe that it's already July and pretty soon school will be starting up for some of us or we'll get busy with new jobs.  You know, summertime often provides more free time than usual.  While it's wonderful to be able to do things you enjoy like swimming, painting, or reading, don't let your activities rule your summer.  Take some time to share God's love in a powerful way by serving others.  You have the time, so get involved!  The following is a list of opportunities to consider:  ~ get involved in Vacation Bible School ~ help out in your local church ~ go on a mission trip ~ visit the elderly in a nursing home ~ help family and friends - clean the house, babysit, prepare a picnic... ~ do random acts of kindness Why not pick one or two (or come up with your own ideas) and use the time and gifts the Lord has given you to encourage and help others i...

Colossians 3:12-13 "Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." Have you ever felt so frustrated that you resembled a steam engine, a raging bull or possibly some literary character known for their frequent bouts of temper? What things, situations, or individuals cause you to pause for a minute, take a deep breath, and consider climbing up on the hills and shouting at the top of your lungs? A lot of situations can possibly come into mind. Recently, I’ve been battling emotions and frustration over some things that my friends, my family and myself are all experiencing. If I can be honest with you, it's a challenge to face things as an individual in this imperfect and ever changing world. However, it seems harder when you see people you care a...

It's summertime and we thought we'd take a minute to share some of our favorite things with you.  Feel free to comment with some of your own as well - we'd love to hear them! Krista book (besides the Bible): "Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo movie: A League of Their Own song:  "Everything" by Lifehouse food: pizza and lasagna hobby: painting acrylic and watercolor free time activity: knitting habit: I have to use two spatulas to flip a pancake!   Joanna book:  (besides the Bible) "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen movie: Anne of Green Gables song: " Hideaway in the Love of Jesus" by Sovereign Grace food: Sarmale (Hungarian/Romanian stuffed cabbage) hobby: photography free time activity: going on adventures habit:  No matter how hard I try, my bows always look a mess.     Emily book (besides the Bible): "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris movie: the "Love Com...

O Lord, help us to treasure Your Word even more!