Grandma Tina

Giving without expecting anything in return-no strings attached.

I love to send cards, emails, flowers to people. I love to be at a store and see something that reminds me of that someone and buy it. It is what makes me tick, and broke...hahahaha.

I think I get that from my Grandma Rowe.

I remember as a little girl, my grandma taking me to some toy stores to give her some ideas for Christmas. Growing up, my parents raised my brother and I to be thankful. We didn't whine, (well that much) and to never, never ever stomp our feet at a store, wanting something, and having to be dragged out of the store by our feet. (some of you parents know exactly what I am talking about)

So I knew the store rules on this adventure with Grandma. As I was holding her hand walking down the isles of Toys R Us... there it was! The most beautiful stuffed bear in the world! It was huge. I stopped. I didn't say a word. My mouth dropped to the ground, my hands clasped together on my chest. (can you picture it? Steve says I still do that when I go shopping...haha) Grandma immediately knew that I wanted THAT bear. (could it have been my starey eyed look ?? haha

She walked over to the bear and looked at the price tag. She said, "oh honey, that's expensive, that's a little out of grandma's price range...let's see what else the store has". So we walked away and continued looking.

Guess what was under the Christmas Tree that year?? MY BEAR! I squealed, I jumped up and down...I ran over and picked it up and began to hug the stuffing out of it. Then I remembered what Grandma said...it was too expensive. I knew that she and my grandpa didn't have alot of money. I turned and looked at her..."but Grandma it's too expen.." she interrupted me...'OH honey...it was worth every penny to see you react that way!"

I knew that my grandma loved me with or without the bear. BUT because she loved me, she WANTED to give this gift to me. I think so many people have reversed this and have screwed this up. So many people go out and try to 'buy affection' from someone...I heared it said, that love is spelled out T-I-M-E... it's not about things.

God is that way with us. He love us, and because He loves us, He longs to give us things to see us smile, squeel, jump up and down. He is NOT a geanie in a bottle to make wishes too. So many people run to Him with a wish list and when He doesn't come through they write Him off. That's not what He is about.

He knows what is best. He knows our dreams. He hasn't forgetton about you. His timing is Perfect

I John 3:1..How great the love the Father has LAVISHED on us, that we are called the children of God.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRHTDAY TO YO
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ABBY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!

Wow, I can't believe you are 17 years old!!
How beautiful you are!
Uncle Steve and I couldn't be more proud of you!

Thank God for bringing you into our lives!

We love you

Are You Who You Want To Be?

Yesterday is wrinkle on your forehead
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed it would be?

Are you who you want to be? that has been a question that I've been wrestling with. Probably alot of people do after they turn 30 years old, and since November that has been the forefront of my thoughts.

Steve and I are reading the book, "How to Live in Your Sweet Spot-the Cure for the Common Life"Max Laucado...to try to shed some light on my heavy heart.

I can't help but shake the thought that there is more, for me, for you...for all of us, more than just a 9-5 job and paying the bills. God wired us up uniquely. Some are beautiful writers. While others are gorgeous singers, speakers, leaders, craftsman, designers, great with people, great with animals etc. We all have different giftings and passions.

Sometimes we are forced to look at that question, after losing a job. Sometimes we are challenged by new responsibilities at work, and question, am I in the right place? So we chose to stay there until something"better comes along". We become re-active to life, instead of 'pro-active'.

*now, don't get me wrong. I am not saying everyone go out and quit your jobs. It's way different than sitting & day dreaming at your desk about relaxing on the beach or getting home to put your feet up. It's about having a tug at your heart (&*day dreaming ) to do something that you love, that you have a passion for,... to make a difference, to use all that's inside you for a greater good...(I'm ramblin' sorry)

But I've had some people that have inspired me lately, for all sorts of reasons. The 1 thing they all have in common ? They haven't given up. They keep pressing on.

Some are family, some friends, some are recording artist that I don't know at all, but from a distance. However, these people have stepped out of their comfort zones, took radical, career risks, ( perhaps with family and friends questioning their judgment)...but they still got out of the boat to to do and to be who God created them to be. Some despite a horrible up bringing, chose not to be a victim. Some despite horrible loses...got up (perhaps after months even years of crying) and kept moving on.

So this journal is to thank just some of those people.

My mom! Your strength inspires me daily. Despite your circumstances growing up, you chose to be different, to give us love, love, love. Thank for being my mom, my friend, my confidant. I love you.

Steven, my bro :) You have so many gifts. You are truly blessed. I am honored to call you my brother my best friend. You could be a lawyer, stock broker, accountant, making the big bucks (ha! :)...but it's not about the money. It's about being who you were created to be! You are an awesome pastor and worship leader. Also, when it's time to move on...you do it. Even though it might mean saying good bye, and starting over somewhere else...you make the move. You don't just stay somewhere "just because it's comfortable". Bro, the Lord uses you in Missouri. Keep singing, don't stop writing your songs! I miss you more than you know.

Jani-my sister in law...you patiently wait on the Lord. Even through your trials, the loses, and years of waiting on an adoption to go through...you never lose your joy! You reach out to others that have had the same kind of hurts. You are so brave.

Aaron, my second bro. Even though we are not blood related...it sure feels like it. What can I say without bursting into tears. You are stepping out! You are following God's leading. You are jumping out of the boat and running on the water. I love it!! Every day...what a ride! I love the journey you are on. You make me want to step out and see what 's out there for me. Thank you.

Parker...you are amazing, don't ever give up. I KNOW God has big plans for you and the success of your business. Continue listening to His Voice.

Siham and Gary...both of you own successful businesses, but there is more to this life isn't there ? and now the plans begin for your ministry in missions. You are forsaking all for the sake of the call of God. Steve and I treasure you.

Kristi-fly baby fly!!!! You are that beautiful butterfly! You have so much courage, sometimes I think you don't even realize the people that you inspire all around you. You invest ALL of your time into people. Your friendships, leading worship, the Junior High...You get out there and let nothing hold you back baby...nothing.

There are so many others for various reasons ..."my Kathy", Linda at work, Ed and Kelly Horn, Lori W. , Shelly B., Tony Vincent, Amy Grant, Abby, Nancy G., Jo-Jo.
You all inspire me. Thank you for being a living example to "walk by faith, and not by sight".

So get out there and live life. Dream big dreams. Trust God with your dreams... The dreams and purposes He has for us are even better than we could ever imagine. (and sometimes, if you really think about it...some of the dreams we wished for when we were kids...were not the greatest. Or else I would be married to Shaun Cassidy-Yikes! )

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Sometimes who we are destined or created to be, lies on the other side of our fears.

Are You Who You Want to Be?

For Real ? I really get to go?

On March 5th, 2006, Hillsong Church, Sydney, will gather together for an amazing citywide night of prayer and praise! This night is always one of the most powerful events in our Church, as thousands join together in the heart of Sydney to praise and worship our magnificent God. Also, as a part of this exciting event we will be recording our next live worship project! We invite you to be a part of what we believe will be a significant night! Bring your friends and family, and position yourself at the Sydney Entertainment Centre for what will be an awesome evening. Also, join with us as we cover this night and the upcoming album in prayer, believing for many to see and hear of God's glory!

Excited Yet??

Are you excited yet?...that seems to be the question, I have been hearing alot lately.

Myself and my friend Kristi have an unbelievable chance to go to Australia, for a week and a half! On, Thursday, March 2nd...with one of my best friends (love ya Kristi) and some dear friends from church, we will be flying out to Sydney, Australia for a few days and then over to Cairns, Australia...to enjoy the sites (Great Barrier Reef, snorkling, Rain Forest).

It's still hard for me to believe that it's happening. I am humbled, and in UTTER SHOCK! I haven't even begun to pack yet.

But as each day draws near,...my heart begins to skip a beat.

So be praying for us...we want to be ready for all that God wants to show us...at Hillsong Church in Sydney, our times together while we are with each other, even the times just soaking in all of the beauty of Cairns...to hear Gods Voice, to relax, to come back refreshed, recharged...and changed:)

New Charlie Hall

Go out and Get the new Charlie Hall CD...It's awesome!

Flying into DayBreak

Capetown, South Africa

A heart for missions, a heart for worship, ...a heart for God.

South Africa, has been the place that my husband has had the distinct pleasure of visiting on 2 separate occasions.( serving 2 wonderful missionairies Ted and Diane Weinberg) He has a heart for this country, and the people there.

Steve has asked if I would prayerfully consider doing a missions trip with him, to his beloved Capetown. (it really is beautiful isn't it ? :) But it's sooooooooooooooooooo far away, and I don't fly so well. ( I know, I know it's the plane flying..it's my stomach that has the issues)...so anyways my answer has always been...well...NO WAY...I'll live vicariously through him.

But sometime last August (after a Leadership Conference) South Africa came up every time I turned around...on tv, the radio, school, a guest speaker, work, at a Bebo Norman Concert... And everytime my heart would feel a tug.

I didn't really give it a second thought, because, even though I have a heart for missions (and missionaries). I can love them, pray for them, & send them financial support without ever getting on a long plane ride. :)

But I AM getting on a plane in just a couple of weeks, to go half way around the world to Australia. It's going to be quite a journey...like a 20 hour plane ride actually, or so I've heard. Now some of you might be asking...sure go to Australia with your friends, and not go to S.Africa with your husband??) LONG Story! But God has made it almost impossible for me NOT to go to Australia!

I think this is a HUGE stepping stone to enable me to do something I've always dreamed of doing but had too many fears...and that is, traveling around the world. (*and doing it on my own with a great friend, but without family...a little out of my comfort zone)

So Capetown, South Africa ? ..someday my love, I WILL go there with you, and trust God for whatever plans He has for us :) xoxo

Yikes...a 20 hour flight to Australia...pray people pray!! :)

One of those days you just want to erase...

Ever have one of those days ? Things you wish you could have done differently, words you wished you could take back ? Yep...I had one of those days today.

Two of my biggest passions are prayer and encouragement. However, somehow I ended up hurting someone I treasure with all of my heart and have the deepest respect for with the same tongue that loves to encourage and pray for people.

What we say has the power to heal and destroy in a matter of seconds.

You've heard the saying, "you always hurt the ones you love". I understand how an argument happens, and a person says something out anger. But it's worse when you say something without any intent of malice, and that person get's hurt. It sucks for both parties. The one who has been hurt and the one who wants to fix it. It breaks my heart.

Lessons I have learned today ? Repent quickly, pray before you speak (or type, or email), ask God for the words to say, get the facts straight, sometimes less is more when sharing your heart and ask for His Hand to cover your mouth before you get yourself into trouble.

His word is truth. Our words can hurt other people. Sometimes it's not intentional but it happens.

Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 17:18 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

God is so amazing in His Grace and forgiveness towards us as humans.

The harder part is forgiving oneself and moving on.

*while everything within me wants to run away from embarassment and guilt for being so stupid.

Hello Everyone...
Well, I've decided to join the world of blogging :) So for my first "post", I have decided to share my New Years Email that I sent out to my friends and family. It's a bit long...and I promise that my new blogs will NOT be this long.

It's funny to go back and read what I wrote, and to see what God is doing currently in my life! He makes me laugh. He is in Control! and worth trusting.

**New Years 2005***
I just wanted to wish all of you a great Christmas and New Year's. And if you think this will be super long and sappy...well...you are right! :) LOLOL

It's been an exciting year. I was blessed to be able to travel with my dear friend Kristi to several conferences in Indiana :) I was also able to travel to Kansas City, to hang with my brother and family. I usually only see them once a year...so this was an awesome treat!! The highlight of that trip was my time spent with my sister in law Jani :) I am so fortunate and blessed to have such Godly, inspiring sister in laws. Jani and Kelly, I love you both so much!



I was blessed to be a part of my church's new Worship Cd (www.northridgechurch.com) I was able to sing with my closest of friends and my church family the choir. (Kristi, Shelly, Carrie, Bonnie, Mark, Kenny, Rickey,Geoff, and Paul and Jeree...AND THE CHOIR ??you are the best...Love you so much! I was (and still am) humbled to have been selected to sing on 2 of the songs on the cd...when there are far better voices at our church. I am humbled, and honored everytime I sing for God.
*I've decided to show some pictures of my wonderful friends...They are so cute, huh? :)


The Lord has been teaching me many things this year...below are a couple of those things... There was so much disaster with Hurricane Katrina and so much sickness (my nephew Connor, my father in law Frank, my grandma Tina, my friend Ed, just to name a few) this past year. I have come to appreciate the ones I love, to forgive quickly, and laugh a lot more...life is too short. Don't take for granted those good friends that God has placed in your life. Love on those challenging family members...it's always worth it in the end.

Seize the day!!!enjoy every day that God gives to you..life is to short to complain and be negative.

Go and help others in need...whether it be a missions trip, going down to help Katrina victims, working with Habitat for Hummanity, Focus Hope for single mothers and the elderly...maybe even a Soup Kitchen.. You come to appreciate so much, when you get out there and serve others.

I have to come realize that I have so much, in a world that feels they never have enough.

Take risks, take a class, read a book...do something new! :) Get out of the boat of our comfort zones and see life. Stop being afraid of the "what if's" in life...but be excited about "what will be" !!! God has so much for us as individuals. He has given us talents, and ablitites that benefit others. YES YOU! You are His Beloved. He has created a beautiful world all around us, whether we live in Michigan, Kansas City, New Mexico...it's all amazing. Just step outside and see for yourself!

Take time out for yourself, to revive yourself spiritually, physically, emtionally and mentally...no one can do it for you.

but one reoccurring thing that God has been teaching me, is that HE is more than Enough. No matter what I am going through, He is the one to count on, rely on and the best friend to have!
I have also realized how important it is to be thankful for all that God has given me (yes, even the job that is hard to come to day in, day out:)...but most importantly His gift of love in giving His Son, Jesus.

This past November I was able to see one of my favorite artist Bebo Norman, who gave a quick testimony of his travels to South Africa. While he was there, visiting a husband and wife in their 30's with 2 little kids, who live in a 1 bedroom shack, and live off of rice and water. Bebo asked this man, "is there anything you dreamed to have someday? are there days you wished you had more to give your family and to yourself"....and the man answered Bebo saying, "I have a roof over my head, rice to eat, clean water for my children, a beautiful wife and Jesus...sir, I am RICH, I KNOW JESUS...I have more than I could have ever dreamed for!"...

The fullness of Christ...what a beautiful thing!! Oh to be able to answer such a question like that!!! I pray as we face a new year we would remember how Rich we are in Christ.

An elderly gentlemen at church came up to me this year after singing "Friend of God" ... He said, "hey you are that girl that jumps up and down on that Friend of God song, aren't ya?..well, I have something to say to you young lady,... (as I was preparred to get a tongue lashing that I should be more reserved in church, ) the elderly man exclaimed"...DON'T EVER STOP, Don't EVER stop Jumpin' for Jesus..if these feeble legs could do it, I'd be jumping with you! :)God is too big, too good, too gracious and too loving not to jump up and down about!" Amen!! I couldn't help but cry...to hear this 70 year old man to say, "Don't Stop Jumpin' for Jesus"!

...and so I say that to all of you!!!! God is too Good, too Gracious and too Loving not to jump up and down about...so Jump for Him ! :)

He has given us power to TRAMPLE over the snakes and scorpions in our lives! Luke 10:19

Lord, I pray that You would reveal Yourself to me,my friends and my family in new ways this year. May we cast aside all the junk that distracts us from you. May we hear YOUR Voice Lord, above anyone else's. Help us to share Your love with others...oh How they need You Lord. Help us to see our identity in You as You see us...as Your Beloved! The King's Beloved. I love You Lord.-In the Mighty Name of Jesus Amen.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! Love y'all Stacey

*below is an excerpt from a friends webBlog..Ginny...she wrote it...so I must give her the credit...I couldn't have said it any better :)

As I Walk With God And Others
I am learning the value of friendship
These are some of the qualities I love in my friends;
Laughing at lifes absurdities
Being able to say and hear I messed up
and know I am forgiven and forgive others freely
Speaking the truth in love into each others lives
Being able to pick up where we left off and it feels like yesterday :)( *you know who you are!)
A knowing when to get in touch and its a Divine timing
Praying thru the trials in lifeRejoicing and celebrating the milestones and victories!!!
I am so blessed by the people God has placed in my life.
I know this is and will be the year of establishing, building and celebrating friendships. I am amazed at Gods beauty in others.
The inward beauty is precious and as I study the life of Jesus, I see the qualities I cherish in a friend in that of Christ himself.