Fireproof the Movie Opened Today

I haven't seen it yet, but Fireproof opened in theaters today. Sounds like an excellent movie. For more info go here.

Baby Update - 77 days and Counting

I saw my OB yesterday afternoon and had my 1 hour glucose test done. W hen I get the results I will most likely just add them in the comments section. Since it was late afternoon, I had to take the kids with me. Fortunately everything went well and there were no problems with bringing them.

My doctor said everything is going great. The only note of concern she had (not really just something she mentioned) was that I'm measuring two weeks bigger than I should be. She already moved my due date a week earlier than the first date they gave me at the beginning of the pregnancy. One concern that I failed to mention (having the kids there kept me from thinking I guess) is that I'm having significant lower back pain almost constantly now. (77 days until the due date)

I've always suffered with lower back pain due to my scoliosis. However I've noticed that when I'm consistent with exercise I can usually manage my pain. When I'm not pregnant and I'm in a lot of pain I take 800 mg of Ibuprofen, use lots of heat, and wear my brace (none of which I can do now). Sometimes I have back pain that makes sense - when I make a bad decision thinking I can do something that I shouldn't do. Now, I think its from the extra weight that I'm carrying out in front. I'm in a lot of pain after sitting for a while or sleeping. The pregnancy belt I'm using offers minimal relief.

The doctor wants to see me again in two weeks and she said she will do a sonogram then because she wants to see how big the baby is. So pray that I can find ways to minimize the back pain.

On a positive note - I seem to be on the road to recovery from my sinus infection. I finished my antibiotic on Thursday and continue to flush using a Neti Pot - very odd and a bit gross, but quite helpful.

Bibles Unbound

I have another compassionate ministries opportunity that I would like to share and it's Bible's Unbound - A Ministry of Voice of the Martyrs. I was just browsing the Bible's Unbound website and saw that 68,615 people are waiting for Bibles. How many Bibles are in your home now? I have more than I use at this time - just to name a few, a Women's Devotional Bible, a Serendipity New Testament (that I used in college), a Parallel KJV/NIV I received from my Dad for my 17th birthday, and many more. It saddens my heart to know that so many people are hungering and thirsting for what is available so easily to me not to mention the click of my keyboard brings up the Bible in whatever translation I desire.

WHAT IF...

you could share God's Word with people in countries like China, Egypt and Colombia as easily as putting a stamp on a Bible and sending it?

Through Bibles Unbound, YOU CAN!

Members receive five or more New Testaments each month, along with all the necessary postage and packaging. Bible mailings can then be monitored online. Don't miss this opportunity to begin mailing God's Word into restricted nations RIGHT FROM YOUR OWN HOME.

(Members commit to a monthly donation for $30 for 5 New Testaments.)

Simply call The Voice of the Martyrs at 800-747-0085 to receive your Bibles Unbound Information Pack.

For more information check the Bible's Unbound website.

"Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the Word of God is not bound"
~ 2 Timothy 2:9

All info in italics used by Permission of Voice of the Martyrs.

Every Bag Has a Purpose

Who Get's Action Packs?

Christians in restricted nations endure hardship and suffering to follow Christ. Many live in poverty and want because of oppression and discrimination in their countries. For these believers, an Action Pack represents a great material blessing. But more importantly, it reminds them they are not forgotten.



Where are Action Packs Delivered?

The Voice of the Martyrs delivers Action Packs in countries where our contacts have identified Christians that will be greatly blessed by receipt of the packs. You may designate your Action Pack for: Iraq, Pakistan/Afghanistan or Sudan. check www.persecution.com/actionpacks for the latest country information.

Why Send Action Packs?

Action Packs provide vital, practical help to Christians in need in restricted nations. But more than physical blessings, an Action Pack brings spiritual encouragement that these believers are not forgotten, that their suffering is not going unnoticed.

The Action Pack also provides an important way of spreading the gospel: every time an Action Pack is delivered, a Gospel book or audio recording is delivered along with it.

How Do I Get Involved?

It is simple to order an Action Pack. Call 800-747-0085 to order by phone. You can also order online. Please enclose $7 for each Action Pack you order. This covers the cost of the bag and the cost to ship it overseas. You are responsible for the shipping cost to mail the filled bag to VOM.

Once the Action Packs arrive at your home, simply fill them with articles from the list printed on the bag. You may also choose to enclose an encouraging note or a family picture. Then, return the bag to The Voice of the Martyrs, where it will be sorted for delivery.

"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:17

All information used by Permission of Voice of the Martyrs.

Blanket and a Bible

Sudanese Christians live a simple lifestyle, owning few or no material possessions. However, some items are essential to their survival. One blanket can make a difference.


To date, more than 250,000 blankets have been delivered. We are thankful to many American Christians who have given blankets, but more are needed.

Taking part in VOM's Sudan: Blanket and a Bible outreach is as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Collect good quality, new or used blanket(s)

2. Add $2 per blanket for handling, shipping into Sudan.

3. VOM will add a He Lived Among Us illustrated Bible storybook.

4. Send blankets and collected funds to:

"Sudan: Blanket and a Bible"
The Voice of the Martyrs
510 W. Adeline
Bartlesville, OK 74003

The Voice of the Martyrs Free Subscription Offer!

To receive your FREE subscription to the VOM Magazine, call 800-747-0085. Or write to The Voice of the Martyrs, PO Box 443, Bartlesville, OK 74005. Or go to their website.

Those who request the free monthly newsletter will also receive a Global Prayer Map highlighting the countries where our brothers and sisters now suffer for their faith in Jesus Christ.


All information used with permission of Voice of the Martyrs.

SPECIAL Prayer Request

A friend of mine asked for prayer for a man she works with and his wife. The 35 year old wife's name is Mary/Hyatt. Last week, Mary/Hyatt went into cardiac arrest and her situation is grave. Even if she comes out of the coma the doctors aren't sure she will make it. She has a 3 year old and a four month old (still breast-feeding) . From what I understand the baby rejected the formula initially, but is doing well now. Please pray for the family!

Updated 9-19-08

For more info check this blog.

God's Presence and Work in Your Life

A good while back I read a book, Opening Windows: Spiritual Refreshment for Your Walk with Christ compiled by Mary Fairchild with entries written by a number of well-known Christian authors and speakers. Each chapter was followed with questions that encourage contemplation. Below is one of them. Feel free to share some, all, or none of your answers in the comments section. Regardless of whether you share ask yourself these questions and allow God to work in your life.

Reflect on God's presence and work in your life yesterday. What meaning do you see in your work, your conversations, and your activities? Then write a four-sentence prayer that includes adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.

~ taken from Opening Windows p. 111

Remember 9-11

This picture was taken on October 27, 2001 in Arlington, VA at the Pentagon.

September 11, 2001 was a beautiful September day. I prepared breakfast for my husband and one year old daughter and left them watching Veggie Tales. I hurried off to work (part time billing job) at a friend's house. I hadn't turned on the TV or radio yet and was listening to Christian music on a cassette tape. I was feeling great. The tape ended, so I popped it out and the news came on from the radio saying something about the third catastrophe of the day. I was confused because I had no idea there had been any problem yet. The newscaster said something about the Pentagon being under attack as he spoke. I ran into Dianna's (my boss and friend) house and said do you have a TV somewhere that we can watch? She looked at me perplexed (it wasn't like me to rush in and ask for a TV, usually I just went straight to my computer after a quick hello. I told her what I had heard and we both rushed to her family room and sat transfixed in front of the TV for a long time as we watched the twin towers crumble and other horrible things I don't care to repeat. Needless to say, I don't think either of us got any work done that morning. I tried calling my husband and all circuits were busy. We didn't know what was coming next, so Dianna sent me home to my husband and baby.

About six weeks after that horrific day, we traveled to the Pentagon where the clean-up was well under way. There were still people all over the place mourning for the lost lives on September 11th. Today 9-11-08 they dedicated the September 11 memorial at the Pentagon, I wasn't there, but I watched the ceremony on TV this morning.

Where were you on September 11, 2001? Do you have any memories you care to share?

We must all be ready to meet Jesus at any time because there isn't one of us who knows what the next moment holds. We can trust HIM with our lives no matter what!

Quick Update

I haven't been on the computer too much lately for a couple reasons. This weekend we suffered some damage to our house and I've been very busy trying to get everything in order again. And for the past three days my allergies have been bothering me a great deal. I couldn't even sleep last night due to the congestion and pain, so I ended up going to the doctor's today. I found out that I have a sinus infection - antibiotics are flowing through my system. Hopefully they will help kick the illness quickly because I have so much to do and my house is in a shambles now because of the other problems. Please keep our family in your prayers. Thanks!