Friday, March 28, 2008
Nanoo
I posted a personal blog on our family blog today and I think it really speaks my heart, so check it out and I hope it speaks to you. www.hickmanhappenings.blogspot.com
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
An Adopted Family
Almost 19 years ago, my family, while living in Venezuela, was approached by a pastor who knew of a 15 year old girl that was due to have a baby "any day." Knowing that we had expressed an interest in adopting a child, he contacted us. Already having two girls in our family - myself and my sister, Missy - we were kind of thinking of adding a boy to the mix. The baby due to be born, however, was thought to be a girl, but we didn't care. We wanted to proceed on.From the time we were approached, to the time this baby girl was born, we had about a week and a half to prepare for her arrival. My parents were 40 at the time, and in the event they are reading this...they are STILL 40...not a day over it! :) You can imagine that we didn't have the first thing for a baby in our home. I was 15 1/2 and Missy was 13. Our baby stroller, crib, and diaper days were over! We called on our missionary family to help us out and everyone rallied together to provide what they could so that we could welcome a new bundle of joy into our home.
The day came to welcome this new little girl, named Esther, because that was her biological mother's and grandmother's name...and also the name these two women studied about in the Bible when they prayed to receive Christ and desired to see this baby put in a Christian home. Baby Esther was born right at 5 lbs., and quite literally was the smallest baby I had ever seen. Being a family of giants, you can imagine how small she looked in our arms. I remember my parents bringing her home and I was overtaken by love that I didn't think I possessed for one that was not blood related to me, yet penetrated the very core of my heart with a love that only sisters can know. I was, without a doubt, smitten with this baby! I thought I would be afraid to have her come into my life, but all of that was swept away when she was placed in my arms and I gazed on her jet black hair, dark eyes, and olive skin. She was MY baby sister and I, at that moment, would have done anything in the world for her. We named her Kathryn Elizabeth Ann Cashion. She became "one of us." She did not, for one second, ever NOT belong to our family. God made her just for us to love and cherish all the days of her life.
Remembering this time gives me great joy because God, too, made us His own. He created us in our "mother's wombs" and "knew all the days ordained for us before one of them ever came to be." He becomes our ABBA, Father...our Daddy...when we allow Him to take up residence in our home. Just like Katie became a resident of our home, God has done the same for us. He sent His Son, Jesus, to take up residence in our hearts (our home)...to become love to us in a way like none other could give it. You know, we had not even seen, heard or held Katie and yet we loved her. In the physical sense, we have not seen, heard or held Jesus, yet we, too, can love Him. With faith and trust in the One who gives us life, we have One that wants to know us and love us unconditionally. Are you feeling without a home today? Do you feel like your dwelling place is not a dwelling place at all? Are you characterizing your day, or your life by lonliness? Grab hold of the One who loves you most. Call, cry out, bawl like a baby for your Lord today. He is there to fill you up, to make you whole.
Katie continues to be a blessing to our family today. The love just keeps growing and growing for her. God does the same. He never stops being the ultimate love giver. Take some time today to let Him wrap His arms around you and just be His child. He wants to be your Daddy.
Friday, March 21, 2008
He's Alive
Just wanted to take some time to encourage you to relect on what this weekend really means to you. I tell ya, being a part of The Witness last weekend was just what I needed to help me focus on what my Jesus did for me. I have found myself dwelling on it ever since. At the same time, why did it take that experience for me to dwell on it all? Oh, that I would remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for me each and everyday. It truly overwhelms me. I don't know of another time that makes such a mark on my life as Easter. I love Christmas and remembering the gift of God's son for all mankind, but it is Easter that brings me to my knees in such great humility for my Savior. He died for me! And I know that even if it was just me that was put on this earth, He still would've died for me! You know, it's hard to wrap your mind around that sometimes. If you are reading this today and you have never truly grasped just what Jesus did for you, take some time to ponder these things today. Not only did God send His one and only Son to die for us, but Praise the Lord, he rose again, too! We weren't left to be alone, but He gave us His Holy Spirit, "a counselor, to be with us forever...the Spirit of Truth." Ladies, we have been given it ALL. We have been offered love's perfect gift. It is always there for the taking. Choose it today. Maybe you are reading this and you needed to know today that someone was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for you and you want to know more. Well, it's your day because I want to tell you more! Inviting Jesus into your life to reign and rule is simple. The Bible says it just takes a "childlike faith." Don't go another day thinking you have to live this life on your own. He is waiting and ready for you today. It was 27 years ago this coming summer that I exerted that "childlike faith" and accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. What does a seven year old really know other than what is simple enough for them to understand? All I knew was that I felt alone and that something in my life was missing. Yes, my Daddy was (and is) a pastor. I was raised in a loving Christian home. I grew up in Church. All those things, of course, contributed to me wanting to know more about this Savior who had come to save me. It was, however, the steadfastness of a Sunday School teacher, who willingly, lovingly, and simply shared that "Jesus Loves Me" that ultimately made me realize that this was the gift. This was what was missing.
So, I dropped the guard of fear I possessed as a little seven year old girl and I went forward to tell anyone that would listen that I was accepting that gift. I wanted Jesus in my life. The road since has been full of bumps and it was a curvy road, but ultimately, ladies...I didn't do it alone. My Father, God, has always been there to guide me, to fill me up, to show me the way! I could've stopped right then when I invited Jesus into my life, but let me say...NO WAY, NO HOW! I don't want to stop. I want to live for Him, just like He lives for me! I want to KNOW Him. I want to SERVE Him. I want to TELL everyone about Him. Hey, He saved me! He wants everyone to know it! So, let Jesus be Lord of your life today. If you need someone that can help you, write me. It would be my honor today to introduce you to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Email me at jeffamy111@netzero.net
So, I dropped the guard of fear I possessed as a little seven year old girl and I went forward to tell anyone that would listen that I was accepting that gift. I wanted Jesus in my life. The road since has been full of bumps and it was a curvy road, but ultimately, ladies...I didn't do it alone. My Father, God, has always been there to guide me, to fill me up, to show me the way! I could've stopped right then when I invited Jesus into my life, but let me say...NO WAY, NO HOW! I don't want to stop. I want to live for Him, just like He lives for me! I want to KNOW Him. I want to SERVE Him. I want to TELL everyone about Him. Hey, He saved me! He wants everyone to know it! So, let Jesus be Lord of your life today. If you need someone that can help you, write me. It would be my honor today to introduce you to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Email me at jeffamy111@netzero.net
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Allison
Today, I conclude introducing you to the Aroma Team by having you get to know Allison Taylor.
Allison is someone I have known for around 2 years or so, but someone I really feel I have gotten to know more over the past year. Allison's husband, Junior, has been someone especially dear to my husband, Jeff. Without a doubt, it has been Junior whom God has used to encourage Jeff when he needed it the most. Most times that encouragement came because God told him to do it, and that is what made it all the more special - just knowing that God inspired it.
When we met Allison, it was because Junior told us that he had found someone special and had begun dating. Being the private guy he is, when he actually wanted us to meet this special someone, we figured it had to be a big deal. We went on a double date with Junior and Allison to PF Changs, which I can now thank them for putting that restaurant up at the top of my favorites list. We had a wonderful time getting to know Allison more and seeing firsthand why Junior thought so much of her. Jeff and I had the honor of later attending their wedding ceremony and sharing in that special day with them. It has been a joy to watch these two families come together and put God first, then each other, and then the children. They truly love one another, and out of that pours a love for those God puts in their lives.
Over this past year, I have watched Allison pour herself into others. You may not always know exactly what Allison is up to, but many times it's because of Allison that special things may randomly come into your life. Oftentimes, it is Allison that initiates a special surprise for someone, just because she has seen that person needs a special touch in their life. Anytime you need to bless someone with a meal, Allison is always more than willing to help. And more times than not, it is Allison who brings that one in need that we might not notice, to our attention. She has an unbelievable gift of mercy.
It's been a joy to have Allison on the Aroma Team. She is our newest member, and she has come in full steam ahead. Her hands were all over Ladies' Retreat, but my guess is that many of you never knew just what exactly is was she organized, because she is just one of those people that is behind the scenes, handing out the special touches, making things shine. Right now, Allison is in prayer about an exciting new ministry, and I can't wait for the day that we can share that with you. For now, though, look for Allison to be a busy bee. She will be the one that goes that extra mile to serve you.
Allison is the wife of Junior, mother of Adam and Jackson and special Allison to Jared, Nathan, and Summer. She is a good friend, faithful servant and lover of her Lord!
Allison is someone I have known for around 2 years or so, but someone I really feel I have gotten to know more over the past year. Allison's husband, Junior, has been someone especially dear to my husband, Jeff. Without a doubt, it has been Junior whom God has used to encourage Jeff when he needed it the most. Most times that encouragement came because God told him to do it, and that is what made it all the more special - just knowing that God inspired it.
When we met Allison, it was because Junior told us that he had found someone special and had begun dating. Being the private guy he is, when he actually wanted us to meet this special someone, we figured it had to be a big deal. We went on a double date with Junior and Allison to PF Changs, which I can now thank them for putting that restaurant up at the top of my favorites list. We had a wonderful time getting to know Allison more and seeing firsthand why Junior thought so much of her. Jeff and I had the honor of later attending their wedding ceremony and sharing in that special day with them. It has been a joy to watch these two families come together and put God first, then each other, and then the children. They truly love one another, and out of that pours a love for those God puts in their lives.
Over this past year, I have watched Allison pour herself into others. You may not always know exactly what Allison is up to, but many times it's because of Allison that special things may randomly come into your life. Oftentimes, it is Allison that initiates a special surprise for someone, just because she has seen that person needs a special touch in their life. Anytime you need to bless someone with a meal, Allison is always more than willing to help. And more times than not, it is Allison who brings that one in need that we might not notice, to our attention. She has an unbelievable gift of mercy.
It's been a joy to have Allison on the Aroma Team. She is our newest member, and she has come in full steam ahead. Her hands were all over Ladies' Retreat, but my guess is that many of you never knew just what exactly is was she organized, because she is just one of those people that is behind the scenes, handing out the special touches, making things shine. Right now, Allison is in prayer about an exciting new ministry, and I can't wait for the day that we can share that with you. For now, though, look for Allison to be a busy bee. She will be the one that goes that extra mile to serve you.
Allison is the wife of Junior, mother of Adam and Jackson and special Allison to Jared, Nathan, and Summer. She is a good friend, faithful servant and lover of her Lord!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Jennifer
Today, we continue getting to know the rest of the Aroma Team. Join me today and meet Jennifer Greene. I met Jennifer about 2 years ago, I think it was. My husband, Jeff, had visited her husband, Jeff, and became fast friends with him. They began attending the church where my husband was pastoring. It really wasn't until we began LifeSong, however, that I got to know Jennifer more. All of us in the core group of LifeSong were a part of watching Jennifer's tummy expand with who we now know as Brady! Each week we bombarded her with questions of "how much longer until he comes?" "Will your shoes fit you much longer?" "What are you craving this week?" And so on and so forth. We surprised her with a diaper shower and one of her favorite meals one night at housechurch, all of us very excited to watch Jen become a first time Mommy!
It has been a journey we've taken with Jen, and one that has led her personally to see a calling God has put on her life to invest in the lives of other moms. In her own personal journey to discovering it is that God wants her to be as a Mom, she takes other moms along for the ride and spices things up for us a little. Thanks to Jen, we have 24:7 Moms, where we can get together for a little Mom time, go to the park, enjoy parties together with our kids, or share ideas we implement for raising Godly kids. Jen is not afraid to extend herself outside the walls of the church and invite unchurched moms to come and hang out with us, and she is always willing to make sure that when a mom in our church has a need, that the need is filled. When we have a new addition arrive within our church family, you can be sure that you will receive a call from Jen scheduling meals to be delivered to your home so you can enjoy time with your newborn. She heads up that ministry for us and does an exceptional job.
Jen has been a good friend to me. My favorite thing to talk about with Jen is COUPONS! She and I share a love for saving a penny. Right now, I have her beat because I saved so much one day at the grocery store that I crashed their system and Jen all but gave me a trophy! Her day is coming, though, when she'll probably pay $5 for a whole cart of groceries. Hey, it's like a sport to us! For me, it's nice to have another woman, mom, friend that takes pleasure in the simple things, like clipping a really great coupon.
I hope you take time to get to know Jen. She really does care about you and wants to see you Moms take a little time for YOU, so join her for the next 24:7 Moms event she plans. You are sure to walk away with a little more peace than you started the day with.
Jen is wife to Jeff, mom to Brady, and one of the best cupcake bakers ever. She desires to follow Jesus and without a doubt, she will beat herself up if she doesn't do her very best at anything she puts her hands to. Thanks, Jen, for giving everything your all!
It has been a journey we've taken with Jen, and one that has led her personally to see a calling God has put on her life to invest in the lives of other moms. In her own personal journey to discovering it is that God wants her to be as a Mom, she takes other moms along for the ride and spices things up for us a little. Thanks to Jen, we have 24:7 Moms, where we can get together for a little Mom time, go to the park, enjoy parties together with our kids, or share ideas we implement for raising Godly kids. Jen is not afraid to extend herself outside the walls of the church and invite unchurched moms to come and hang out with us, and she is always willing to make sure that when a mom in our church has a need, that the need is filled. When we have a new addition arrive within our church family, you can be sure that you will receive a call from Jen scheduling meals to be delivered to your home so you can enjoy time with your newborn. She heads up that ministry for us and does an exceptional job.
Jen has been a good friend to me. My favorite thing to talk about with Jen is COUPONS! She and I share a love for saving a penny. Right now, I have her beat because I saved so much one day at the grocery store that I crashed their system and Jen all but gave me a trophy! Her day is coming, though, when she'll probably pay $5 for a whole cart of groceries. Hey, it's like a sport to us! For me, it's nice to have another woman, mom, friend that takes pleasure in the simple things, like clipping a really great coupon.
I hope you take time to get to know Jen. She really does care about you and wants to see you Moms take a little time for YOU, so join her for the next 24:7 Moms event she plans. You are sure to walk away with a little more peace than you started the day with.
Jen is wife to Jeff, mom to Brady, and one of the best cupcake bakers ever. She desires to follow Jesus and without a doubt, she will beat herself up if she doesn't do her very best at anything she puts her hands to. Thanks, Jen, for giving everything your all!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Barbie
I promised that over these next few days I would introduce you to the Aroma team members, so if you are reading this as your first post, scroll down a little and get caught up on our testimony of God putting together this team of five ladies.
Today is a very special day for me because I have the honor of writing about my best friend. God has afforded me the blessing of having best friends at every important juncture in my life, and knowing Barbie George is no exception. I always look at Barbie and think, "that is me back when my mom was talking for me and I didn't speak a word." Barbie need not say a word to be heard, because it is the heart she has as a listener that speaks the loudest. She lets me talk and talk without saying a word, lets me get done and then just encourages me. I think that God put Barbie in my life to remind me to slow down and let it all sink in. She is one of these friends to me that can read my mind. Seriously, we can be in the same room, look at each other and know what the other is thinking. I like that about a person.
Not only that, but she makes me laugh. There's just some people who's humor you get. That's Barbie. Sometimes we just get in a "you got to bend over and laugh" kind of laugh. We always have a good time, and I think anyone that is around her will agree with me.
These last few months have been awesome to watch God work in Barbie's life. We've had many a conversation where we talk about where it is God wants to use us. Back in the day that I wrote about a couple of days ago where God profoundly showed me what my role as pastor's wife was while in Dillon, God showed me some very specific things and since then, He's just grown those in my life. Watching Barbie these last few months I have been reminded of that time when God takes a heart that is willing and He gives them life-changing things to do. No longer does Barbie have to wonder "where do I fit in?" She isn't waiting around for some lightning bolt moment, but she is digging in and loving on people in a way only Barbie can. And you know what I love the most about her? Never will you hear, "look what I did for so and so" or "that's not my job description" or "I'm too scared to try". Nope, never. Barbie serves out of the overflow of her heart. Hey, I am one life that God sent her to restore. Barbie, you will never know what your friendship means to me - to have taken this heart of mine and just loved on me when I needed it the most - well, that takes us deep, girl. I love you like my sister.
Barbie has a heart for all people. I really think she would serve just about anywhere and do a job "well done." In Aroma, Barbie has a job that is pretty much behind the scenes because she does a lot of publicity related stuff for us, but Barbie also has a ministry in Ladies' Coffee Connection. After seeing that women just need to get together and talk sometimes and let the kids run around, Barbie has organized this time just for you! She wants you to come and feel like you can kick up your feet and talk about whatever. And you know what? After spending an hour or so with other ladies, you begin to see how to pray, who has a need, and who just might need a break. Barbie does an exceptional job and organizing this. I hope that next time she does one that you will come and be a part of that time You are bound to form a relationship that you might not have expected.
Yesterday, I asked Jeff if he'd been reading these blog entries and he said he had. When I asked him what he thought about how I was introducing my team, he answered, "well, you are writing about your relationship and experiences with them...from your perspective." Thinking he must have thought that was a bad thing, I got a little defensive. He said, "no you are writing like you know them." Well, I hope this is helping you ladies reading this know them, and that something you read may take you deeper in a relationship with them. Sometimes it's just hard to trust that someone wants to serve you until you know them firsthand. We desire for you to know the Father firsthand, and I assure you that knowing one of these ladies, you will also feel as though you know the Father, too. They model Him to me each and every day.
So, get to know Barbie George. Her birthday is March 14 - that's tomorrow for all you busy people that don't know what day it is. Wish her a big 'ole Happy Birthday and give her a hug!
Barbie is married to Brian, Pastor of Missons/Administration at LifeSong. She is the awesome mom to Addie, Aiden and Austin, with whom she loves on at home each at everyday. She is my dear, dear friend - a true kindred spirit!
Today is a very special day for me because I have the honor of writing about my best friend. God has afforded me the blessing of having best friends at every important juncture in my life, and knowing Barbie George is no exception. I always look at Barbie and think, "that is me back when my mom was talking for me and I didn't speak a word." Barbie need not say a word to be heard, because it is the heart she has as a listener that speaks the loudest. She lets me talk and talk without saying a word, lets me get done and then just encourages me. I think that God put Barbie in my life to remind me to slow down and let it all sink in. She is one of these friends to me that can read my mind. Seriously, we can be in the same room, look at each other and know what the other is thinking. I like that about a person.
Not only that, but she makes me laugh. There's just some people who's humor you get. That's Barbie. Sometimes we just get in a "you got to bend over and laugh" kind of laugh. We always have a good time, and I think anyone that is around her will agree with me.
These last few months have been awesome to watch God work in Barbie's life. We've had many a conversation where we talk about where it is God wants to use us. Back in the day that I wrote about a couple of days ago where God profoundly showed me what my role as pastor's wife was while in Dillon, God showed me some very specific things and since then, He's just grown those in my life. Watching Barbie these last few months I have been reminded of that time when God takes a heart that is willing and He gives them life-changing things to do. No longer does Barbie have to wonder "where do I fit in?" She isn't waiting around for some lightning bolt moment, but she is digging in and loving on people in a way only Barbie can. And you know what I love the most about her? Never will you hear, "look what I did for so and so" or "that's not my job description" or "I'm too scared to try". Nope, never. Barbie serves out of the overflow of her heart. Hey, I am one life that God sent her to restore. Barbie, you will never know what your friendship means to me - to have taken this heart of mine and just loved on me when I needed it the most - well, that takes us deep, girl. I love you like my sister.
Barbie has a heart for all people. I really think she would serve just about anywhere and do a job "well done." In Aroma, Barbie has a job that is pretty much behind the scenes because she does a lot of publicity related stuff for us, but Barbie also has a ministry in Ladies' Coffee Connection. After seeing that women just need to get together and talk sometimes and let the kids run around, Barbie has organized this time just for you! She wants you to come and feel like you can kick up your feet and talk about whatever. And you know what? After spending an hour or so with other ladies, you begin to see how to pray, who has a need, and who just might need a break. Barbie does an exceptional job and organizing this. I hope that next time she does one that you will come and be a part of that time You are bound to form a relationship that you might not have expected.
Yesterday, I asked Jeff if he'd been reading these blog entries and he said he had. When I asked him what he thought about how I was introducing my team, he answered, "well, you are writing about your relationship and experiences with them...from your perspective." Thinking he must have thought that was a bad thing, I got a little defensive. He said, "no you are writing like you know them." Well, I hope this is helping you ladies reading this know them, and that something you read may take you deeper in a relationship with them. Sometimes it's just hard to trust that someone wants to serve you until you know them firsthand. We desire for you to know the Father firsthand, and I assure you that knowing one of these ladies, you will also feel as though you know the Father, too. They model Him to me each and every day.
So, get to know Barbie George. Her birthday is March 14 - that's tomorrow for all you busy people that don't know what day it is. Wish her a big 'ole Happy Birthday and give her a hug!
Barbie is married to Brian, Pastor of Missons/Administration at LifeSong. She is the awesome mom to Addie, Aiden and Austin, with whom she loves on at home each at everyday. She is my dear, dear friend - a true kindred spirit!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
