F.R.O.G to F.O.G.

"Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship"

Romans 12:1 (HCSB)

Recently, I hinted about a new season our family was embarking on; today I want to share some lessons we are learning as we Yield.

In June 2015, my Mother went home to be with the Lord. We had the opportunity to celebrate her life and love surrounded by extended family and friends of various beliefs, all unified by our love for this woman.This event began a time of deep reflection for me. I became greatly aware of Legacy...what am I creating that will outlast me? Am I living a life of honor, vision, and purpose? It was through this time of reflection that our direction began to shift. 

As a family, we had been walking through several "FROG" months...a time of "Fully Relying on God". When I say Fully Relying on God, I mean Completely! Within a two week period of time, our housing arrangement and income source ended and our vehicle became irreparable. It was in the midst of this seeming chaos that we felt the Lord ask us if we were willing to Fully Rely on Him. Our immediate response was YES...mostly out of desperation and realization that we had no other real options. 

Now, we already knew our Abba Father as loving and good; we were, however, about to deepen our experience of Him as patient and faithful!

It was in the place of seeking God for our next direction that we received the call about my Mother's passing, and in that moment I felt a baton being passed to me. As I prayed and asked Father for peace, I could almost literally see my Mother passing a relay race baton to me; and when I asked what was this, I had an understanding of legacy. Being the oldest daughter in my family, I felt a shift of responsibility in maintaining fortitude of faith...one of my Mother's greatest strengths! With this shift came an endowment and empowerment to carry on. As if her mantle had been passed to me. How humbling and loving...to experience such love! Even as I reflect and type this, I am overwhelmed by such a sweet exchange!

With support from dear friends, we were able to travel to her celebration. To be with my Dad as a support and source of love and encouragement was Priceless! To hold and cherish things that my Mother held and cherished = timeless! And to reflect with my family on valued characteristics  = Treasured! Throughout the entire time, I was very aware of God's presence! I could see His hand in Every detail as we were Fully Relying on Him! 

As her celebration concluded and we began our drive back to Arizona, Jeff and I took the time to talk about God's goodness and grace. We found vision bubbling out of our mouths and saw a new season on the horizon. Thoughts and ideas were coming out of us that we knew could only be from God because in the natural they made no sense! We saw our family traveling Full-Time, and Ministering to those that are discouraged and disconnected from their source. We also felt empowered to minister from the place of preparation and knowing Father as the only source we ever need. We could see how we were being set up to demonstrate what "FROG" looks like...Ha! 

Within a week of our return, we receive a call from a trusted friend asking us to pray about an opportunity she had discovered. She began to describe a need she had come across that she felt we were to be the solution. She described a disabled gentleman that needed some assistance in business and ministry. Everything she shared seemed reasonable, however, being in the place of "FROG", we purposed to pray and scheduled a time to meet with this minister. To my surprise, he was available the following afternoon. (At this point, we'd been FROG for 6+months, so nothing really surprised us anymore...Ha!)

In speaking with him, we learned that he required WAY more care and support than we thought we could offer. However, the exchange of care would address income, housing and transportation needs on our end. Could this be God? We left our first interview overwhelmed with the weight of Fully Relying on God! Isn't that funny, that relying on God felt weighty? I have since learned that truly FROG brings ease, relief, and great peace! But, in that moment, I wasn't sure I could do this even if God was lining it up...as if the creator of the universe was unable to position us. 

As I type this, I can clearly see how we had surrendered up to this point but had not yielded! We were MROG = Mostly Relying on God or PROG = Partially Relying on God, but not FROG!! Again, we felt the Lord ask us if were ready and willing to FULLY Rely on Him. Our response, this time, was, Father, if this is your will, then equip and enable us to fulfill all that you are aligning. It was a place beyond surrender (where we can maintain control), our response was from a place of trust...knowing He was more than able! I felt my posture begin to shift. 

We had left things with Howard agreeing to pray and meet at his home the following day. Jeff and I awoke the next day, overcome with peace and purpose. Agreeing, by faith, that if this is what God had next for us, He would enable us to fulfill every expectation. Surprisingly, we were in one accord and ready to proceed as Father directed. It was at our scheduled meeting where God completely confirmed His plans in numerous ways. He made things SO obvious that we could not deny His hand in this Divine Appointment, and so with great peace, we agreed to begin the following day.

For reference, Howard is quadriplegic. He cannot move any part of his body below his neck save a few fingers which he uses to drive a power wheelchair. In his great physical limitations, he is a licensed pastor,a non-profit organization CEO, published author and motivational speaker. He weighs 45 pounds and was only expected to live to the age of 5-12, and so now at nearly 44 years old is a living miracle. For more on Howard, you can follow him on social media as well as at howardbell.org. 

So, it began. Over one year ago, we agreed to yield to all that God had for us as individuals and a family and FROG!! 

I will go back and recount some of the various experiences we've had in the past year, but suffice it to say this has been the most difficult and rewarding thing we've Ever done! Little did we realize that FROG would mean we gave up all our rights...the right to control, the right to be right, etc. In Rom 12:1, when we are urged to present our bodies as a Living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God...I believe another way to say this is to FROG. Interesting, the next verse in Rom 12 reminds us to not conform to this age but to be Transformed by the renewing of our mind. So, dare I suggest that in my experience FROG is not about conformation, but transformation!! As we learn to FULLY Rely on God, we are sure to be transformed from the state of this world/flesh (selfish, etc.) into a place of peacefully considering others as our Father does.

Choosing to care for Howard has given us this opportunity to "Let Go and Let God" in EVERY area of our lives. We see God in our relationships, finances, time, talents, opportunities, "err-where"! We have been faced with the ugliness of surrendered ministry. What? you ask?? Yes, it is possible to surrender in ministry, and yet maintain control of our time, talents, etc. Prior to this experience, I actually thought I was a giving person...other's minded even...WRONG! I had simply adopted some behaviors that sounded good and even sometimes looked good, but was not FROG! 

So, throughout the past year, Father has been changing us...rearranging us. I think our son, Tony said it best...(Like and Subscribe to his channel...he's Amazing!!)

As we FROG, I notice the FOG...The Favor of God! 

Recently, we were driving to Virginia. It was late and dark, and a Fog rolled in. I was tired and a little scared, if I am being honest. It was then that I was immediately reminded of God's desire and ability to transform us. It is SO like our Father to surround us and envelope us in His presence, especially when things seem dark and we're tired or worn out. It is when we FROG that we experience the FOG!! It is my prayer that we continue to FROG. Likewise, I am in gratitude for the FOG. Join me next time as I share some of the many ways we are experiencing the FOG. God is good. He is Faithful, and His Love NEVER Fails!! 

Monday Motivation - YIELD!

Now, do not be stiff-necked, as your Fathers were, but YIELD yourselves to the Lord;

- 2 Chronicles 30:8

I have SO missed our weekly fellowship here, and have recently been convicted to begin again.  We are about to embark on a new season as a family which I am SO eager to share...one that is requiring great flexibility and most of all that we YIELD! I had never really thought about what it means to be yielded, and yet I am beginning to realize the power of purposefully doing so. This song/dance absolutely communicates my heart...I pray that you are blessed and motivated...

Walking UnAware!

This Post Contains Content Recommended for a Mature Audience

"It's a dark night, a dark hour." - Luke 22:53

     Today, I am blogging about Take 25 at PARK Project, and want to use this forum to open up and be candid with You, 

my precious support!!  

     Five years ago, I wish I had seen a sign like this bright yellow one to alert me of what lay ahead!  Looking back, I'm sure there were signs along the way, however, I was Walking UnAware!!  The things I am about to share with you are that of an incredibly vulnerable nature, and I ask that you proceed with an Open Heart of Grace!  It is only by the Holy Spirit's prompting that I choose now to open this window and share a glimpse of the path we have traveled.  One that has brought me the greatest heartache, and the greatest hope!

     Although, I developed a relationship with the Savior at a young age, my family's religious beliefs prevented me from walking passionately with Him for many years; and even, as an adult, I found myself content with a relationship of encounters rather than constant communion.  My adult life has been one of great extremes!  I have experienced the highs of Passionate Love and Financial Abundance along with the lows of Chronic Illness and Poverty.  I spent many years trying to grow up with the attitude that "everything was under control" even when I was desperate for something more.  Without realizing it, I had become the "Queen of Denial" and quite accustomed to wallowing in "Victim Village".  During a low point, I walked away from my husband, and began trusting another.  Little did I know that this emotional and somewhat rash decision would send our family in a downward spiral that would nearly cost us everything!  

     In "Unmask the Predators", Lisa Cherry and her daughter, Kalyn Cherry Waller not only share a similar story, but statistics that should shock and alarm All of us!!  Part of Walking UnAware is lack of information, another part is denial!!  Unfortunately, I experienced both!!  I watched our family go from happy, unified and Spirit-led to disconnected, miserable and weak!  More devastatingly, I watched our oldest Daughters (14 and 12 years old at the time) go from Respectful, Secure and Safe to Belligerent, Confused and Vulnerable.  

     Walking UnAware is much like the the cliche, "Ignorance is Bliss"!  There is a sense of confidence in that you don't know that you don't know!!  The result of my choices led our entire family down  a path, that previously had seemed foreign and unthinkable!  We began to experience things that seemed surreal as if happening only in my worst nightmare!!  Walking UnAware led me toward a masked predator who, unlike me, was Completely Aware and prepared to groom our Daughters as His prey!!  

     It was a cold December morning when I received a call that our Daughters, who had been sleeping over at a friend's home while I prepared for our move, were gone.  There were foot prints in the snow leading from a basement window to the street where tire tracks led away.  Within an hour, the girls called, apologizing, saying they had reacted out of fear, not wanting to move, but that the friend who had picked them up was bringing them back.  Now, there are years of choices that led up to this moment, but suffice it to say for now, Walking UnAware was about to get very dark and ugly!!  It was on this cold December morning that I learned our Daughters had spent the previous six months building a relationship with a 37 year old married man whom they'd been sexually involved with, both individually and altogether.  By His careful planning, they were in love and prepared to fight for their freedom, so that they could be with Him.  I cannot even begin to describe the rage and heartache that came as a result of Walking UnAware!!  As we began to Unmask this Predator, what we learned was considered "classic".  The grooming that had taken place, included extensive brain-washing; and changed the hearts of our Daughters!!  Not only had our Daughters lost their innocence, we were loosing our Daughters.  Let me warn you, that the the journey between Walking UnAware and Being Aware has been thee most painful journey to walk!  This is NOT like being on a fast and furious roller coaster that you can simply jump off after a few minutes to stand on solid ground; no, this is more like finding yourself in a very deep and dark pit with no ladder!

     Another cost of Walking UnAware was that without thinking, I had walked away from God and ran right into Sin!  Fortunately, during this darkest season, God had NOT walked away from me; and in this my darkest hour, He reached out and quite literally plucked me out of my sin and lack of awareness!!  Almost immediately, He began restoring!  Although things seemed to go from bad to worse, by laying down my attachment to Walking UnAware, I found great comfort in the Grace and Mercy of an Omnipotent Father!  I found love and forgiveness in the arms of my Beloved, whom I had also walked away from; and I found great Peace in the Only One who could and already had intervened on my behalf!

     5 years later, we continue to experience God's healing and restoration!  There are still days when the enemy tries to take what He intended for evil and remind me of it; however, there are many more days that I am reminded that God has purposed this for His glory!!  I am humbled by His goodness and marvel in His grace, and I am continually uplifted by His Word!!

     Friends, I commit to continue sharing our story as led by the Spirit, but suffice it to say, This day I encourage you to consider your own walk.  I challenge you to become informed as you Unmask the Predators in your world, and I invite you to Take 25!!  I pray that our journey through this very dark place, may shed light for you and that you Never find your child's name listed with The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children!!  May you choose to Walk Aware today and always as we stand equipped in the battle to protect our children; and may you also know the Grace and Peace of our Loving Heavenly Father!!

 

     

Sunday Sentiment...

"My Own Little World" - Matthew West

     In Luke 10: 25-37 we read about "The Good Samaritan".  Now, this is a story about a man that was beaten and robbed while traveling, and left for dead.  As it happened, this was a major route between cities, and so there were surely other travelers that would assist this man.  True to expectation, along came a Priest, who when seeing this beaten man chose to pass him on the other side of the road.  Likewise, a Levite when he arrived on the scene, looked and then kept walking.  But the story goes on to say that a certain Samaritan , as he journeyed, came to where this man was and had compassion.  

     What would you have done?  What do we do?  How many times do we see the needs of others in our lives, and like the Priest and Levite, we choose to look the other way and continue on about our business?  As you consider these difficult questions, I DO NOT want you to feel condemnation or pride.  I DO hope that today, we can consider the difference we are making in "Our Own Little World" and Purpose to Be Aware, Have Compassion, Be a Solution, Make a Difference!!  

     In Luke, Jesus was speaking to a group, and sharing this story about The Good Samaritan in response to the question, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life".  Upon completion, He asks the group in verses 36-37, "So which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him who fell among thieves?"  "And he said, He who showed mercy on him!"  "Then Jesus said to them, Go and Do Likewise!" 

     This week, I will turn 40, and as I've been reflecting on my life, I felt led to start an "Initiative" inviting all of my friends and family to celebrate with me by Practicing one Act of Random Kindness each day for 40 days.  PARK Project was birthed with a vision to Inspire ALL who choose to participate to Be a Blessing by Being Others Minded as a way of life, rather than an event!

     I encourage you, and invite you to join me on this 40 day journey of Mercy and Grace beginning this Tuesday, 05/01/12!  Let us answer the call to Go and Do Likewise with boldness, passion and PURPOSE; and may you Be Blessed Abundantly as you do!!  :)

Mrs. Jeff Baker...

"Love NEVER Fails!"

 - 1 Cor 13:8 (Amp)

     22 years ago today, I began a Love Journey that has been the best of times and the worst of times; and through it all, I have learned that "Love NEVER Fails!"  It was a wet, winter Wednesday morning in Utah when I became Mrs. Jeff Baker, and I will never forget the warmth that overtook me as I dedicated my heart to my Handsome Prince Charming!  I was able to be married in His Mother's wedding gown, at the same location where my Parent's and Grandparents were married - SUCH a joy!!  We were married at 8:10 am and left directly after the ceremony for our Honeymoon Suite; then enjoyed our Reception three days later - Best Plan Ever!!

02/14/1990 - SLC, UT

     I have now been Mrs. Jeff Baker for more than half my life, and I can honestly say that I am honored to carry the name of Such a Valor Man of God!!  It hasn't always been easy, but it has certainly been worth it!  As I pause to reflect the many years I have been a wife, I am humbled by the Many lessons I have learned - generally the hard way.  I have learned the heartache of distractions, the value of Forgiveness, the mercy of Grace, the joy of Restoration, and the peace of Renewal!!  I have not always cherished this title, nor have I always brought honor and respect through my choices.  I have, however, grown in confidence as a Daughter of God which has enabled me to Honor the Wife that I am!  

     Along the way, I have discovered several resources that have SO blessed me as a wife.  Two of my favorites are:  "The Power of a Praying Wife" by Stormie Omartian, and  "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman.  We have gained wisdom and understanding about what God says for Husbands and Wives, and through the love and support of our Pastors, Drs. Tom and Maureen Anderson, we have developed a Kingdom Marriage!!

     Today, I want to encourage you that no matter where you are at in your relationship, God desires you to know His Love!  He is faithful to fulfill that which we commit our hearts to, and He is able to breathe life into our marriages!!  I can now relate to the Shulamite Girl in Song of Solomon as she declares, "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth - for your love is better than wine!"  What a blessing it is to love and be loved with Such passion!  I LOVE that He's Still the One!!

     This Valentine's Day, I invite you to join us as we begin the "Love Language Challenge"!!  We have learned the value of working our commitment, and investing in our marriage; and so it is with great anticipation that we step into a 5 Week Journey of sowing Love into one another!  May your marriage be Richly Blessed, and may you know the Joy of Being Deeply Loved!  I am Grateful to Celebrate God's Very Best for me, and continue to thank Him for the opportunity of being Mrs. Jeff Baker!!

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Baker
Celebrating 22 Years Together!

     

The Ultimate Blog Bash 2011

Today I am Joyfully Linking Up with other Bloggers at Women Living Well to introduce myself and get to know others better.  My name is Nanette,  and I am SO grateful to be a Daughter of God, a Wife in Love, and a Mother on Purpose!  I Love to sing and truly believe that life is one long musical.  I enjoy sharing my heart and home as I daily learn what is means to "Dance in the Rain".

I began blogging as a way to record my thoughts and experiences, and quickly realized the power of connecting with other like-minded women as we Inspire and Encourage one another.  I write with a heart to be transparent while glorifying God in all that He does in me and through me!!  I am passionate about growing my relationship with Him, and delight in the process of Pursuing Peace on Purpose...HA!  Likewise, my blog is full of examples of God's Grace!  I continue to marvel in the opportunity to regularly pause and consider my "Heart Condition" - to align (more accurately re-align) with Wisdom and Understanding, and reflect on valuable life lessons I learn as I strive to be a Woman of Godly Character, a Helpmate to my Beloved, and a Grace-filled Mother!  Please join me in this journey...I pray you find peace in knowing you are Not alone!  Likewise, I look forward in faith with great expectation to ALL that God has for us we strive to BE Relevant!!    

One Call Away - A Memoir by Brenda Warner

"Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith"

Do you sometimes find yourself feeling alone and discouraged with your current circumstances?  Are you stuck in a rut full of distractions?  Do you hesitate to answer the phone, for fear of who might be on the other end with bad news?  Brenda Warner shares her life and her heart in "One Call Away" as she considered similar questions.  In this intimate glimpse, Brenda allows us to connect with her and her journey...a path that led her through Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith!!    

Book Description

Brenda’s life has taken twists and turns that are stranger than fiction. It always seemed as if she was just one phone call away from the next explosive change. Each time her plans fell apart, she had a choice: would she give up, or would she press forward and learn from the unexpected? One Call Away is the inspiring story of a woman who has prevailed through many of the circumstances that discourage women: tragedy, poverty, betrayal, and humiliation. But unlike most women, her life has been on display in the media.

Brenda’s faith and God’s strength enable her to face challenge after challenge: an accident that leaves her son blind and brain damaged, a crumbling marriage, a tornado that kills her parents, a new relationship with promising football player Kurt Warner, and the pressures his sudden success brings to their growing family.

Through food stamps and funerals, Super Bowls and serving others, Brenda’s strength is unwavering. Her determination to dream new dreams, willingness to learn from her mistakes, and commitment to giving back to her community make her a role model for women of all backgrounds.

Her dreams haven’t materialized as she had imagined, but Brenda has found that God has a much bigger plan for her. Conversational and candid, One Call Away invites readers facing their own difficulties to trust God and discover hope in the future.

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time reading about this Amazing, Inspiring woman!!  I could SO relate to many of her experiences, responses, and choices to move forward on purpose!  I appreciate her willingness and ability to be vulnerable as she brings Glory to God in All that He has done in her and through her!!  This is a woman of action, and her memoir inspires me to do the same.  Her and her family continue to do powerful, abundant work through "First Things First Foundation" as they put action to their testimony!  I love her heart for children, and honor her for her sensitivity to celebrating the joy that they are!!  I am encouraged by her faith as she pressed forward regardless of her circumstances!  As I review my complementary ebook from Booksneeze,  I am in gratitude for this woman who chooses to honor God in such an outloud and profound way!    I highly recommend this book for anyone asking the above questions, as well as those looking for inspiration and motivation to carry on!!  Like Brenda, it has been my experience that no matter where we are in our journey, God is only One Call Away.  Knowing that gives me hope for tomorrow, faith for the future, and an ability to find joy in the journey!!