They speak with other tongues

OK - Here's another book I just read from cover to cover. If you don't know me that well - that's pretty amazing! I rarely read any book in it's entirety - or even half of the book. And I never (ok - VERY rarely) read any fiction books. Too much to do than to sit around and read fiction. :)
So - I just had to share this book with you . . . .

"They speak with other tongues" by John L. Sherrill is an older book (wasn't at the library - so I just ordered a cheaper copy at www.half.com).

It was a bestseller in it's time, and it will really open your eyes and help those of you that struggle with the whole concept of speaking in tongues (or other manifestations of the Holy Spirit - or even the baptism of the H.S.). It can even help those of you that currently are baptized in the HS and do speak in tongues, to be able to help and explain to others what it's all about and why it's beneficial. It is a super-easy book to read as it is in a story format - but full of great history of the Pentecostal movement, etc. The author takes you along on his own journey of trying to figure out just what this strange phenomenon is and if it's of God (and if he should be a part of it).

I highly encourage you all to read it!

Adventures in Mothering

I sent this to my fellow MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) group, and thought I would share it with you!
Bring on the Adventures!
Lori :)

Are you guys ready for more adventures in mothering? . . . . well . . . you better be (if you still have kids!). Everyday holds the opportunity for all kinds of adventures . . . some are not so pleasant, but they leave you with a funny or great story to tell your toddler one day (preferably when they are teenagers!) . . . and some adventures are just absolutely amazing - you wouldn't trade them for the world!

Motherhood is full of surprises, and if you came into this "job" thinking it would be easy, or that if you followed all the "rules" that everything would work out the same for each child . . . . HA! . . . think again. :) I know you all know what I mean! :)

This fall, we are going to be celebrating "Adventures in Mothering". I, for one, LOVE a good adventure - even if it comes in the form of things not going just as I had planned. :) That's what an adventure is . . . expecting the unexpected to happen, and enjoying it when it does!

MOPS International has a great website, dedicated to you Mothers of Preschooolers. If you haven't checked it out yet - I encourage you to. Go to www.mops.org. Not only will you will find great information about MOPS International, but there are forums to ask questions or discuss things that affect us a moms of little ones, great articles to read, contests to enter, and even MOPS University - a place to take online courses (FREE!!) about the Bible, your Christian walk, moving out into ministry and more. I am excited to explore the courses offered through the university website myself! For many of us we cannot afford, or do not have the time (or babysitters) to be able to go and take college classes (or even some classes at church) - and this is a great way to learn and grow right from your own home! I encourage you all to check it out. I know there are many more great websites with some free (and some pay) classes, courses, or articles to help you learn. I encourage you to seek the Lord this month (since it's the month of prayer!) and ask Him what HE would like to teach you this fall or what you should learn more about. He has a great plan for each and every one of you - and part of that plan is to be a great mom, friend, sister, daughter, and above all - a lover of Jesus!

Keep doing what you are doing moms. You are doing a great job - even when it doesn't feel like it many days! As our Women's Ministry leader at church always says . . . we are in "leadership development". We are training and developing the leaders of the next generation. What an awesome "job" we have?!! Our goal at MOPS is to help you develop your own leadership training capabilities . . . through encouragement, fun, fellowship, prayer and mentoring.

I look forward to seeing you all again soon! Let the "Adventures" continue (I know they have already begun!)!

Blessings today!

Who are you?

Who are you? . . . Do you know?

Are you a mom? A nurse or doctor? An accountant? A saleswoman? A grocery clerk? . . . . . Who are you? . . . . Let me ask that again . . . . WHO are you?

I am not really asking what you do. I'm not asking what your position, title or even your family lineage is. I want to know WHO you are?

Do YOU know Who you are?
Do you ever feel like no one really knows who are you . . . the true you . . . on the inside?
Do you ever wonder if YOU really even know who you are? You see the outside, but something just doesn't seem right or you don't like what you see?

Would you like for me to tell you who you are? :) . . . . Well, for 50 bucks I'll do just that! :) hee,hee. Just kidding of course. But I do know someone who CAN tell you who you are - what your REAL identity is . . . your Kingdom Identity!

God! Our heavenly Father! (if you don't know Him yet - please read my post - Cleaning up Messes).

Just as we are all created with unique physical characteristics (wonderfully designed and planned by God), we are all created with a unique Kingdom identity. It is WHO we are. It is WHO God created us to be. It encompasses more than just our physical traits, but also the gifts and talents he put in us as He lovingly knit us together in our mother's womb. Some of you don't even know WHAT gifts and talents you have. Some of you may think that you have messed up too much to really ever be used by God or to be who you really are or want to be. Well, the truth is . . . you DO have talents, gifts and abilities . . . and you are NEVER too far gone to discover your TRUE identity and be used by God!

I just read an amazing book - "Your Destiny - Unlocking the impossible promises of God" by Ivan and Isabel Allum.

You have GOT to read it! It has opened my eyes once again, to the promises of God in my life and how He wants to fulfill them. Part of what they talk about is knowing your Kingdom identity (and Kingdom destiny). We may think we have a handle on who we are . . . but to really know the truth, you have to ask the person who created you! Just like an artist knows everything about the art that he creates - God knows us even more intimately than we do! He designed us! He created us! And He has GREAT plans for each and every one of us!

If you are struggling right now - not feeling like you are doing what you should be doing with your life . . . like something just isn't right. If you don't really know who you are, what you are talented or gifted at, what God could possibly do with you here on earth. . . then PLEASE read this book!

If you are struggling with previous promises that you felt God had given you that just haven't "come to pass" . . . then read this book!

If you have struggled with prophecies given to you (or others) or want to know what to do once you get a prophecy over you . . . then read this book!

You can order at their website - www.ivan-isabel.com
You can also read some the amazing story of how they ended up marrying each other (and more) on their website (and in the book)! Their book is full of awesome, faith-inspiring stories! You won't want to put it down!

So . . . after reading the book . . . let me know . . . WHO you are!

Blessings!
Lori :)