The Voice of Transparency: Kim Zaksek

Again, this may come off as shameless promotion but I encourage you to check out the writings of Kim Zaksek and Maria Spencer over at http://thenarrowgateinvites.blogspot.com/.

The Narrow Gate blog is what God called us to do, take those deeper things of faith, those things you might wonder about but not quite dare ask, and write about them. Not because we have one thing in Christ mastered, but because He asked us to open up and spill as He directs. Kim and Maria have been obedient to the point of exhaustion upon writing because they give everything up of themselves and just write. It is not easy.

Kim and Maria have known each other awhile, and I was blessed enough to meet them both two years ago. It's been the last few months that are paths kept crossing, and now we make plans to connect because the friendship means so much to each of us. Kim's heart for children rivals nothing I have seen and if you know who Heidi Baker is, she is the only one I've read about who matches Kim in passion for children. Kim wants to go to the places in the world your travel agent will never advertise: the junk yards children call home, the street corners children are dumped off at, the HIV families, the neglected, abandoned, mocked or plain forgotten.

Kim has not forgotten. A month or so ago she let me know that author and "Purpose Driven Life" wife Kay Warren was going to have a live chat regarding her book, Dangerous Surrender. That book moved me and I knew it would rock Kim's world, and it did. During the first live chat if Kim could have gotten Kay to just hesistate for a second, Kim was going to be on a plane joining Kay's mission team the next day. That's her passion and it's the real deal. So real that when Kay (yes, isn't it funny we just call her Kay like we truly know her?) informed Kim about a summit on orphans in a few weeks, God provided in a miraculous way and Kim went to this conference alone. When she came back, she posted her swirling emotions and hopes over at The Narrow Gate Invites. I think she did a great job sharing her heart, and I asked her if I could share her voice here. So thanks Kim for saying yes, and not allowing my lame excuses prevent me from joining you on the wild ride called obeying God.

STEPPING OVER THE LINE---Kim Zaksek


In my last post I promised to share more about the Summit, the orphaned, and ways to become involved . . . and I will very soon. Today I have something pressing on my heart and I feel the need to walk, or shall I say "write" it out.
Since my salvation experience 2 1/2 years ago the Lord has been working in me as I chase Him, run from Him, and ultimately seek His face. I have been through seasons of joy, awe, peace, doubt, desperation, lonliness, and healing. My time with Him has been like a roller coaster ride and I must admit my favorite part has been the anticipation of His prescence and then going down the first hill with my hands in the air in total surrender. I love the freedom and thrill that He brings into my life! But today is different. Today I am standing on the platform of a new coaster, a new ride, right behind the 'yellow line,' asking myself . . . 'Do I really want to get on? Do I really trust that this is all 'real'? What if this ride is too scary, has too many twists and turns, or it is not what I thought it would be, what then?'


Within the past few weeks I have been at two separate prayer gatherings with two totally different groups of people and had the same words prophesied over me both times. The words were like an invitation, an invitation from the Lord, to enter into a new place of intimacy with Him. A place that is full of depth and love where He will share His heart with me. He is asking me to take His hand and be with Him, spend more time with Him, and truly fall in love with Him. He is asking me to start 'birthing' the destiny He has placed inside me, to trust Him, and not feel guilty or be afraid. But honestly, I am scared to death! In the natural my mind is swirling. Can I truly experience pure, fufilling love in this life that will not be filled with void and ultimately disappointment? Or am I really kidding myself? What if this whole 'Christianity thing' is not really real, then what? What if I make a fool of myself and land flat on my face? Ughhh!!!!


So here I stand on the edge, behind the yellow line, with a decision to make. Do I believe the words spoken over me through God's prophets or do I believe the lies man and the world has told me? Do I believe His Word, the bible, or do I spend my years here on earth searching for fufillment in man made truths in books, self help sections, and material things? Do I remember and give thanks for all the healing and peace He has already brought into my life or do I let the enemy convince me that it is all just a facade and not real? Well, I have already tried the later, so I suppose the choice has already been made. I'm going to step over the line, get in, buckle up, and get ready for the ride of my life. I will keep you posted.


Holding On, Kim

originally posted at http://thenarrowgateinvites.blogspot.com/ Friday, May 16, 2008


Written by The Narrow Gate Girls

The Voice of Reflection: Melody@Slurping Life

Before I share the poignant voice of my friend Melody I wanted to use my own voice for a second. As the "Surrendered Scribe" it may be a reader assumption that I would publish everything I receive. This month as part of Nablopomo, it is all about guest voices for me, and I welcomed anyone to come and blog on anything as long as it wasn't offensive, rude or nasty and that I was the judge on that. I'm excited to say all slots are filled and all blog entries have been accepted. Yet, not all comments have been. I've went back and forth but as the surrendered scribe, I'm surrendering what people think about me. Before I would have published everything and worried what people thought. With comments, I have always taken the stance you can comment what you want, but I can reject it. And if you are passionate about your subject, by all means, share your thoughts on your own blog. I love how this month has gone, and every single blogging voice here has been exceptional. I'm grateful for the 25+ voices that stepped out to do this because it is something new and different. So thank you voices, and thanks readers for understanding.

Now, to introduce Melody what I have to say is if I'm in a debate on the evil of internet and I have to prove it is worth so much good, I'm just posting her picture and two words: Slurping Life. I don't even remember how I stumbled on her blog but it is incredible how she can take few words and a picture and transform my thinking, expand my education, and rock my world. She is an advocate for special needs, adoption, boys, children, and just generally life. She'll tell you she is an amateur photographer but don't believe her. Her work is exquisite.


I am a mom. My words are not polished. My thoughts are scattered. My photos are often out of focus.

I love my children...one by birth...three by adoption...all boys. We struggle daily with the physical and emotional turmoil of special needs. We are also blessed by the physical and emotional turmoil of special needs. The line where struggle ends and blessings begin is blurred. Above all there is love.

When asked to lend my voice to The Surrendered Scribe I chose to share a journal entry which is simply a recollection of a few painful, yet hopeful moments of a therapy session with my thirteen year old son who lives with Bipolar Disorder/ADHD.

No Umbilical Cord Joined Them

Journaling my thoughts...

A small square room with four chairs, a desk with a computer and office chair, one window with blinds, bookshelves, a couple of plants. One psychiatrist, one mom, one child. The things unseen are indescribable. Not one person in that room can feel the emotions of another, nor hear the thoughts of another. The time here feels like a crap shoot. A roll of the dice.

The psychiatrist speaks, directing questions to the child, then listens for responses. The child's words are almost inaudible. His eyes in constant flux...blank gaze, quick glance, side to side, blink blink blink. He traces the brads of the leather chair with one finger...across, down, around, up, across, around. He moves his head...side to side, up and down, back and forth, briefly hangs it down. He wriggles his bottom in the chair...shifts left and right, forward and back, bounce bounce. He repositions his legs...crossed, open, in the chair, dangling. He takes breaths...deeply, shallowly, rapidly, slowly, pauses the breathing for a few seconds, sighs. He runs his fingers through his hair. He looks at his mom with eyes pleading "help me". He has very few answers. He has no focus. He can't remember clearly. Answers require focus, memory. Answers don't come because the child does not have the ability to concentrate or accurately remember the things he's done or experienced in the previous week. The time here feels like a crap shoot. A roll of the dice.

The psychiatrist speaks, directing questions to the mom, then listens for responses. The mom's words are clear, strong. Her eyes are intently focused on her child, astutely absorbing every move, every sound he makes. Her fingers clasped together in silent prayer asking that the answers be revealed. Her head pounding with the inability to feel her child's emotions, know his thoughts. She sits in the chair, still. She shifts her body slightly. She takes breaths...deeply and slowly, hoping to regulate her child's breathing. She rubs her forehead. She looks at her son with eyes pleading "tell me". She has very few answers. She has unwavering focus. She can remember everything, clearly. She remembers the things he's done and experienced in the previous week. She hates that he has to live it and that he has to relive it through her voice, her words. The time here feels like a crap shoot. A roll of the dice.

The child looks up. The mom looks over. Their eyes meet. The child winks. The mom mouths the words "I love you". The child smiles. The mom smiles. The tears quietly stream down his cheeks, her cheeks. The time here feels like a crap shoot. A roll of the dice.

They rise. They walk through the rectangular door of the square room. The mom gently tousles her child's hair, gives him a hug. The child wraps an arm around his mom's waist, squeezes. Their love is no crap shoot. No roll of the dice. Their love is mutual, deep, powerful. Through the love and the plan of God they are mother and son...no umbilical cord ever joined them...the bond was born of heart and soul...and she would die for him.

Melody shares glimpses of her life and heart through words and photography at her blog, Slurping Life, http://slurpinglife.typepad.com/.

The Voice of Understanding Autism: Nancy Wickham

I'm so excited Nancy came forward as a voice. She is a dynamo at the church we attend and her children mean a lot to our family. She's been a great source of information when we had medical bridges to cross, and her energy to advocate astounds me. May you fall in love with this family through these words and learn as much as I did. Thanks Nancy!

Nancy Wickham, married 12 years, Mother of 3, two boys/one girl. Born again child of God that doesn't make it through one day with out God's amazing grace! My oldest: 10 years old, diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at 13 months, also has GAD (generalized anxiety disorder). My second son: almost 8 years old, diagnosed with autism at 2 1/2. My baby: she's 5 going on 35 (or so she thinks).

If there was one thing that you wish everyone understood.....everyone. What would that be?

A few years ago, I might have thought about juvenile diabetes, or some horrible statistic like how many babies are aborted daily. But, since January of 2003, that one thing turned quickly to AUTISM.

I am beginning to believe that it's one of the most misunderstood, and under-diagnosed disability there is. Parents go into denial when they are told their child has the disorder, if they are lucky enough to have a doctor that sees it in the first place. Many doctors are so unaware, and the diagnosis rate rises to 1 in every 150 kids anyway. For those that pray for a diagnosis, that's sometimes all they can do, is pray. Insurance only covers one evaluation, teachers in school don't
see the signs, public schools don't want the hassle of providing the extra therapies that they aremandated to provide.

Although there is no cure or origin for autism, there are many aspects that can be understood and dealt with by those who come in contact with the disorder. Have you ever been in a store and hearda child having a melt down (tantrum)? When I was a child, I wouldn't even consider whimpering in public, let alone having a fit! But for kids with autism, stores can be overwhelming. Aisles of things to tempt you and you're not supposed to touch anything? A buggy that rolls, and I can't push it as fast as I can? All pretty displays, and toys that I'm supposed to ignore? Or, will I be allowed to interact and then be expected to just walk away calmly? Of course, we are only guessing at the mind of the child. That is something we do for typical children, isn't it? There are so many autistic children now, you can NEVER assume that a child that is throwing a fit is only doing that, throwing a fit. You can
NEVER assume that the parent lacks control, or that the child simply "always gets what they want".

One of the most difficult things to remember about a spectrum disorder like autism is that two kids can have the disorder and be affected completely different. The disorder affects the senses, so if you can imagine taking your 5 senses and disorganizing them, that might give you a slight idea. Some kids
can have any, all or just a few of the following signs:

Sensitivity to light, sound and smells. My son had none of these, and yet he's considered "moderately" affected.

Doesn't make eye contact. Again, my son has always made eye contact.

Lacks social skills, doesn't play with others or not appropriately. We had this problem.

Does not have normal fear of danger. My son still loves to cross the street as slow as possible, to see how close the cars would come. He has no idea.

Lack of speech or delayed speech. At 1yr, babies should babble and usually by 18mo they have several words. By the age of 2, all kids should have 2-word combos like "Give me" or "want more" **Some kids talk well, and when the disorder sets in, lose ALL ability to speak.

Repetitive play, perseverating on one thing. We watched him put toys on the corner of the dining room table, and then walk around the table time after time, focusing on the toys. Sometimes, we would turn one to see if he noticed and he always fixed it. He also would take my canned goods and line them up in a pattern on the floor. He was 2 1/2.

"Stimming" or Self-stimulation. This could be so many different things. Hand flapping, rocking, humming, etc. Some kids have odd habits like rubbing an eye when they are excited. Many chew or bite. My son stiffens his hands and arms when he's excited, he also makes noises.

There are so many different things you find on the spectrum. An autistic child can have any combination of the characteristics. Even so, the signs that are noticeable can be mild to severe. There's just no "normal" range or severity.

Just as there are so many different autistic kids, there are just as many ways to teach them and help them. What works for one, will make another scream. Trial and error are in play with everyday activities. For some, a daily routine
is all they need, and others cannot function with out it. If you stray from the norm, it can cause a severe reaction.

Every week we are in church on Wednesday evening. Due to our schedules, my husband takes the kids and brings them home after. One night, I didn't have to stay late, so I picked the kids up. My son was so mad and yelled "Ma, Daddy get me. Daddy get me!" Keeping in mind that I have "Mommy's Boys", it didn't matter to him because that's just not what we do on Wednesdays. Change is really hard for them, and transition even harder. A change in a class room or schedule can leave an autistic child in a "bad mood" for days. Of course, hindsight is always 20/20. If I
only knew what "set him off" I would have avoided it like the plague!!

There are many interventions available for these beautiful kids. For the most part, they will need all therapies like speech, occupational and physical therapy. The critical time for them to learn is from 3-6 years of age, just like
a typical child. They are sponges during those years. Doctors that refuse to diagnose early are only hurting the child and its family. Remember, if there is an autistic child in the home, the whole house is "on the spectrum" as we
say. I am blessed because my whole family, friends, school and church are on the spectrum with us. Not everyone is as blessed. I have unfortunately run into parents that would give anything for an ounce of support from anyone.

I haven't covered everything, but I did make an attempt to shed some light on the subject. Keep in mind that these kids do not have a visual definition of their disorder. Most people will recognize a Downs Syndrome child by their unique facial traits, but this is not so with autism. There is no one thing that would allow the public eye to see that a child is autistic. So the next time you see or hear a childs tantrum, just take a moment and pray for the family. It does a lot more than a judgmental glance and a huffy breath.

The attached picture is of my son who will be 8 this year. As you can see, there's no blank stare as if he's lost in space. He makes us laugh, he can read and write, he loves church and school, and his smile makes everyone else smile too!

The Voice of Compassion: Lisa Lytle Huber

Many have commented about how many voices I actually know. To be honest, there are very few this month that I have met in person. Some I know quite well online, some I'm just getting to know. Lisa Lytle Huber is one of those people I have known for a very long time. I've always admired her passion for life and people, she never gives anything less than 100%. This is my own marketing voice---If you need Pampered Chef items or are considering being part of the PC family, let Lisa hook you up. Her e mail is provided in her bio, or leave a comment here.



Lisa Lytle Huber was born and raised (mostly) in Big Flats, NY, but now resides in Marion, Indiana, where she lives with her husband Phil, and two beautiful daughters.

She is a PK (Pastor's Kid), writer, reader, loves to workout at the gym (and make fat muscles as her daughter says), and enjoys drinking strawberry-banana smoothies.

In 2001, she became a Pampered Chef Consultant, and now has a growing and excited team and business. If you would like to find out more about how to order or try the business, feel free to contact her at plhuber@gmail.com.

In 2007, she became a home schooling mom, and avid volunteer at The King's Academy.

Lisa loves to blog out her frustrations and feels that God often uses her tough situations or bad days, to help her learn important lessons. She hopes that by sharing her stories, you'll be blessed, challenged, and even think twice about something God may be trying to put his finger on in your life.



A Life Lesson in Reprimand


Have you ever been reprimanded for something you weren’t at fault for? Maybe it was when you were a kid…did you get accused of an action or behavior you didn’t do?

Do you remember how it felt? Was it like a knife to your heart? Did it bring tears? Did it make you mad or really angry?

How did you respond? Were you full of Godly love and forgiveness? Did you want to go lash out at the person who accused you? Did you back away and hide out?

Whatever your feelings or response, I’m guessing you can remember at least one experience like this in your past, or maybe in the present.

I experienced one of those situations today. Someone who didn’t even take the time to find out if I was at fault for the situation harshly reprimanded me. They just “blindly” reprimanded me as if I were some child who had done a terrible deed. It took me back to the days of childhood when I would respond in one of two different ways: 1) Get so angry I screamed at the one who reprimanded me or 2) go hide under my bed where no one could reach me (there are benefits to being small sometimes!) to pull me out. Although I am much too grown up to physically climb under a bed and hide, I wish that I could still have that place where I was not able to be reached. It’s not like anyone is here beating me or saying anything, but it is just that ever-constant stress of the situation and feeling like I can hear the one who reprimanded me standing here looking over my shoulder shaking their finger at me.

The Bible tells us we are to forgive. There are hundreds of verses, many of them I have heard (an memorized) since I was a child. I know in my head and in my heart that God has commanded us to forgive seventy times seven times (that’s 490 times for those of you math challenged people like me!). I truly hope that it doesn’t take me forgiving that many times to “be rid” of this feeling.

As I look at the situation today, it doesn’t matter that I really wasn’t at fault in any of the situations that were brought up. What matters most is that this person didn’t take the time to find out if I knew of these situations or allow me the chance to correct the issues I knew nothing about. I felt blind-sighted by the whole situation. It seems I must keep applying the 70X7 principle with this person, and that is hard.

This afternoon as I was working around the house, still steaming, God brought a lesson to me. I am a mom of two beautiful girls. How often to I jump to conclusions with them or accuse them before knowing the whole story? Am I actually willing to hear out their side of the story when I don’t believe they are telling me the truth? Do I, in my quickness to prejudge, bring these same feelings I have faced today, upon my own girls? Do I truly listen to what they are telling me or am I already thinking ahead to what my response is going to be?

I fear I am guilty as charged in most cases relating to the girls. God really put a finger on this today. I want to be a godly mom. Having said that, I know I am more accountable now then before!

What is God saying to you today? Have you reprimanded or accused someone for something they may not have done? Have you had anger toward someone, maybe even for years, and you’re tired of carrying the weight? I serve a God who forgives and forgets. He puts our sin as far as the east is from the west. Don’t allow your past hurts, anger, or wrongs keep you from the blessings and the lessons He has for you today.


Earlier this month I wrote something similar to Lisa's great post and it's also over at the Narrow Gate Invites today. You can take a look if you'd like.
http://thenarrowgateinvites.blogspot.com/2008/05/no-record.html

The Voice of the Bride: Joy Chickonoski

Believe it or not, this is the last chapter of Joy Chickonoski's book, "Becoming Lovers: The Journey from Disciple of Christ to Bride of Christ". If this were like a journey vacation I'd liken it to a cruise where you sign up for every excursion. Steep cliffs, deep waters of snorkeling, choice morsels to draw from on the buffet, yet time to seep in the salty air and ponder all before you. And for me, I don't want it to end.

The real world loves to remind me of all I am not, or what I am in a bad way. So friends, let's send this book off in style by grasping all we are in Christ and live like it's the truth. We are brides. Let's learn more.

"The desire of the bride is to become a pure reflection of her love's affection."

We know God as the warrior, the judge, the Savior. We know His love is so fierce that sometimes we'll feel the heat of our free choice consequences. Do we know Him as our Bridegroom? Did you know we are to be joint heirs of the throne? Are you believing that you are in a mutual love relationship with God? Do you think of Him as your Heavenly husband?

Joy shares a humorous story about her honeymoon that I can still relate to after all these years. Her husband on her wedding night called her Mrs. Chickonoski and announced his romantic intentions towards her, their first physical union. As great as that first night was, the next morning Joy woke not wanting her husband to see her. She quietly tiptoed to the bathroom only for her beloved to switch the light on. She dropped to the floor and screamed. She wasn't ready to be that close.

It's a common reaction to God too. We don't want Him to see us unclothed. We know He's sovereign, so we'd rather stay with the "Well He knows it all anyway" and keep the relationship one way. It's time to bust out of that. He is the lover of our soul. You don't want to dive to the floor and scream when your spouse wants to love and help you, why do the same to God year after year?

For too long we've believed the lie from the devil that God is a mean task masker that is eternally disappointed in us. If we would just approach God in full I promise you God will be compassionate and loving. Any other voice is simply not His. Satan is the accuser and the liar and his job is to keep you as far from God as possible. No matter what you've done, thought, said, didn't do, should have done...God will NEVER give up on you nor will He ever suggest you give up on what the two of you share together.

We will never be perfect. We're going to goof up and make mistakes. We will not be perfect spouses or parents. The truth is, though, God can even take the wrong things we do and use them for His glory. Beating ourselves up is more damaging. Trust Him as your Bridgroom. What a perfect image to reflect on.

Sadly, the image is so simple we reject it. We know we are to strive to be holy and we fall short. "We will not serve a God we fear more than a God who captivates us by His love. Fear is an inferior motivator to love. If I'm convinced of God's love, I will serve Him out of passion, not obligation. Passion will purify me much quicker than obligation." page 144.

This is a line on page 145 I hope I cling to after reading from 1 John 3:1, 3. The line Joy writes: "When we become the bride, we must lay down the sword for the scepter."

Joy explains the scepter represents royalty and authority. We're royalty now, queens don't have to fight! We are joint heirs. For the longest time I burdened myself with the self given mission I was in a war against the enemy and had to slay the enemy in Jesus' name. This year has really transformed me and it was actually Joy that God used to get the reality through my head.

All God is asking of us is to rest (just like Chapter 11). The picture Joy painted was for me to sit on a couch with my feet on a table while the Lord goes to battle. At the end of the day my only job is to allow the Lord to return, put His head on my lap (what an intimate thought, but a sweet one) so He can tell me about His day. Anything evil I see these days is God just showing me---like terrorists in caves, evil does not want to be found. They work in secret and hiding. When they are exposed it's not scary, it's revealing. God is showing His hand.

There are times we are called to fight, but as you grow in intimacy with Him, you'll find yourself handling the scepter more than the sword. "The rest and authority of the bride is a reward to the warrior." It's going to feel weird at first, I know it has for me. Here is what changes will occur as you lay down the sword and pick up scepter:
1. We no longer carry burdens as though they are our own.
Our prayer life changes. Like the image Joy shared with me, we no longer plead our case at the throne. Our prayer life instead "becomes the comfort of the bride toward her Warrior bridegroom. Jesus is the victor. He will not lose His battle." Picture you resting on the couch with the Lord coming back to rest on your lap and tell you about His day.

Just as Song of Solomon, as that book progresses, so do we. In the beginning the emphasis in Song of Solomon is on our priorities. In Song of Solomon 6:3 we see she still has priorities, but Jesus comes first. By Song of Solomon 7:10, she reaches the final stage of the bride when she proclaims, "I belong to my lover and His desire is for me." She only desires what He does. To reach that stage of oneness means our burdens are His. To reach that stage means you take the journey from disciple to bride, producing purity and humility. No shortcuts, no easy road.

I do have male readers and picturing themselves as a bride might be hard. Instead, the friendship between David and Jonathan might be easier to picture. 1 Samuel 18: 1-3 says that "Jonathan's spirit was knit to David's and he loved him as himself." This was a genuine pure friendship. Joy writes on page 148, "The level of commitment between these two men on the battlefield is the same level of intimacy trust and unity that Jesus desires with all men."

Don't you love that the Bible is as applicable today as it was over two thousand years ago? You don't need Harlequin and Pirates of the Caribbean to place yourself in fantasy. Reality is in the Bible for all of us, women and men. Joy shares much more in this than I have time and space to do justice, so I really encourage you to purchase this book for yourself. And men, I know of a very macho looking guy who did just that and is learning a lot.

2. Your corporate worship becomes an expression of the bridegroom's passionate heart

We were created by God to have a heightened sensitivity to pleasure. The devil was worship leader in heaven before he wanted the worship of God all to himself. With that, he sure doesn't want you experiencing pleasure in worship. Again, worship produces oneness and unity whether just you and God or a corporate setting. I don't want to be afraid of this anymore. I can feel deep in my soul this passionate worshipper who so desperately wants to get out. Fear has ruled me too long.

3. As the bride we will develop a desire to share God's glory with others
For me, I don't strive for respect as much as I used to. I get more excited to see others receive promotion and blessings than to brag or covet it for myself. I'm someone who used to feel successful when my name or the organization I worked with had its name in the paper. To see it bolded meant even more to me. With writing taking a bigger part of my life it's funny that I struggle now when I receive an accolade of sorts because I truly enjoy seeing other names more than mine. The bride of Christ wants His recognition. That's what I want.

Again, there is so much Joy has here that I don't have the time and space to give. I'm going to jump to the conclusion and again ask that you run to your nearest Christian bookstore and get this book.

Here are some surprises Joy shares:
1. Growing in God means you see things have always seen with greater understanding and teach it with greater grace.

2. Growing in God's grace means you learn to say less so God can do more.

3. Growing in faith means you learn to lean on God without the fear of failure of man.
Although this book ends after 155+ pages, Joy's title is appropriate. This is a journey. I can see my own path has went forward in some ways and backward in another. It will take my lifetime to master it all, but I don't want to stay where I am. I've sent you this link before, and I implore you to go there again: this is who I am, who you are: Embrace it! You are His bride. Glory to His name.

This is you!!!http://www.elijahshopper.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ART%2DCF003

To purchase this book online, http://www.getrealliving.com/resources.html There is another resource of Joy's on that page, so check it out.

Thanks for taking the journey. You make a beautiful bride!

The Voice of a Child's Heart: Maria Spencer

I first read this post over a month ago and I have the picture on my computer and I still get the chills every time I see this post. This may come off as self promotion but I truly hope after reading this and May 23rd's voice that you become a fan of the team blog, http://thenarrowgateinvites.blogspot.com/.

The team consists of Maria Spencer, Kim Zaksek and myself. We go a little deeper on things of faith than I might here, but if you like today's post, please bookmark the blog or subscribe to the feed. Because I know these ladies I can speak for them when I say when we write for that blog they are never our words, we are just an instrument. It is such an emotional process we are often drained and challenged every time. On a lighter note, because we "work" together, it's given us a new excuse to tell our husbands we need a girls' night out to discuss "business" over cheese fries.

Also, we receive great comments on the Narrow Gate blog look. That credit goes to our friend Dustin-Lee, who also is responsible for the positive attention everyone at the http://www.christianwritersforum.com/Blog/ receives. He's a writer as well so visit him at http://dustin-lee.com/blog/ and the Christian Writers Forum blog. Maybe, just maybe you will see his voice here as well.

Anyway, to focus on Maria's post all I can really say is WOW. I met her two years ago at a retreat through our local YMCA and it was one of the neatest divine encounters He set up for me. We have much in common and she has let me cry and vent over my parenting worries. She reassures me because she is Italian that when she isn't yelling, that is how she talks. We laugh, cry, and we grow in faith. I hope you enjoy this post and this writer as much as I do. I give you---Maria Spencer.


Thank You

Written by The Narrow Gate Girls

Two simple words stated about the most powerful moment in history.


The moment when all of our sins were nailed to a cross-- always to be forgiven.


Simple, yet profound words stated by my eight year old son.


He loves the Lord, is curious about learning more about the Bible, and prays directly from his heart to God.


He viewed a portion of “The Passion of the Christ” at church Easter morning, and to my surprise, he didn’t ask questions, and more importantly, he didn’t question the power of that moment. Then almost a week later, he decided to draw this simple picture to respond to that moment:




He didn’t ask why, he didn’t try to understand every detail leading up to that moment, but in his pure, sweet mind he just simply wanted to say thank you.


Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we adults could just let that moment be an opportunity to express our gratitude to Jesus for dying on the cross for our sins, and not allow our minds to over-analyze it?


Why do our minds make it so difficult?


He loved us enough to have his only son die for our sins.


We should be forever grateful.


Ah, what peace would come to all of us if we could make a conscious effort of choosing to not complicate the fact that He did it just for us…


Thank you.


Such wise words from such a small boy.


It’s really that simple.



Maria and her family reside in NE Ohio. She and her husband are the parents of two. Their daughter is a person with hemipelegic cerebral palsy. Because of her experiences, Maria provides parent-to-parent support for families involved in her local early intervention program. Her gift for writing has come directly from the Lord since her daughter’s diagnosis. She writes a monthly column entitled, “Special Parents, Special Kids” for the Mahoning Valley Parent magazine in Ohio; and has expanded into Parent magazines in parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. She is also a contributing author at www.mommiesmagazine.com. Maria is very passionate about getting the word out to special parents that they are not alone in their journey of raising their special child; and that they were chosen by God to parent their children. Maria welcomes comments and communication. If you would like to talk to her, please e-mail her. Our e mail address is in our profile at http://thenarrowgateinvites.blogspot.com/. We also love comments!



Posted originally at the Narrow Gate Invites April 2, 2008.

The Voice of Unity: Katie Sansone

Before we begin, can you do me a favor? I switched a photo in a previous "Voice" post and trust me, you want to see it. It's part two of Cheri's story on Teen Challenge and the picture is the absolute picture of hope in Christ. It brought tears to my eyes and I'm so glad Cheri thought of it. If you know someone bound by addiction, I encourage you to send them to Cheri's story. Thanks for looking at the picture!

http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/2008/05/voice-of-hope-part-two-with-cheri.html

Now, today's voice is neat because this is a new writing friend I've made through my connection to Godlinked.com. This social network is like MySpace, but Christian and it feels like home. When I gave a call for voices to come forward, Katie Sansone stepped to the plate. I'm so glad I did. Now I'll stop using my voice, so you can enjoy hers. Thanks, Katie!

Well to begin with I am a kid of the KING and proud of that! I am a wife, Mother, Gramma, and a first-time Author of a kiddie book called: "The Adventures Of Katie Bear: Fun Days At School". I have a Christian fiction book coming out this Summer entitled: "My First 24 Hours In Hell". I believe it is a good read for all, not just Christians only.

If you want a testimony there are too many for me to share. Most of them along with numerous other things will be in a book later on called My Life Journal: From My Heart To Yours. It may be out this year or next. I have several other books that are due out this Winter hopefully. They are kiddies' books too. My first book that is out now on Amazon is due to be a series very soon and I just know the little ones will love all of the Katie-Bear series.

As for being a child of GOD, I have had many dealings with the Spiritual world and the best ones are the good one not the evil I can tell you that much! I was saved when I was 17 years old and will be 60 in August, so my life with JESUS has been an amazing road of trials and triumphs along the way! I do hope that this helps you to get to know me better. And I do pray that all of GOD's kids learn to get along and tear down the "denominational barriers" that mankind has so subtly built between all of us. For HE is ONE GOD and ONE LORD and we all are called to be ONE in HIM.
I feel this is an important thing you are doing here. All of us on here say we are "Christians", right? Well, then wouldn't we all help each other out in promoting not just buying our books (music, art, etc.) but also by helping each other promote their works too? I had talked about it before but some thought that it was not the greatest idea as "we" would not make much money if we "bought" each others materials. But not only in buying here and there (we all do buy books and CD's at one time or other, right)?

So why not buy from our Christian brothers and sisters. I have bought several books this past month and I'm not among the "filthy rich" that's for sure! But also on our personal pages, Blogs, post their works or URL for them and reviews for them. And the radio shows (give interviews) to help each other out. I am not saying to take advantage of one another, GOD forbid, but just "help each other" to promote our things to sell. As the world helps its own, why should we not help our family of GOD out in times of need? We are supposed to be "kids of the KING" so we should put our talk into action too. Let us walk the walk, we talk.


http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Katie-Bear-Days-School/dp/0979815479/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208928774&sr=1-1

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Katie-Bear/e/9780979815478/?itm=4

http://katie-bear-cottage.weebly.com/katie-bears-blog.html

http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery2.php?ec=ss&instanceid=110338904

http://www.freewebs.com/vksansone/index.htm http://katie-bear-misskatiesbookblog.blogspot.com/

http://www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?id=4081147395232&pid=0979815479&rate.x=281&rate.y=9

http://store.livingwaterspc.com:80/adofkafundaa.html

http://www.godlinked.com:80/profiles/blog/show?id=2049161%3ABlogPost%3A2009

http://katie-bear-series.weebly.com/index.html

http://www.jnksansone.com/NEW_KATIE_BEAR_SERIES.html

http://store.livingwaterspc.com/ourbooks.html