Holiday Chair

This past Thanksgiving I had the privilege to spend dinner with my family. I was all smiles and truly felt blessed. But like many of you, there were a few empty seats at the table. Some seats were empty due to the passing of precious loved ones.  But another seat was empty due to unforgiveness.

 

I could deal with looking at empty chairs my grandparents used to sit in. My grandparents are now with the Lord sitting in the best seats - in heaven! However, to see an empty chair all because of a disagreement hurt my heart. Certain family members had allowed this disagreement to grow hatred between them to the point that being at the same table, let alone the same room, was too much for them.

 

Sadness came over me while looking at the smiling faces of my cousins. I was sad because one of my cousins was being denied. Her chair was empty at the table. 

 

Oh the holidays. Like so many of you, it is the one time of year my family goes out of their way to see each other. But now somehow had it turned into, "So and so will not be placing one foot in my house." I’ve heard many reasons amongst my family as to why things were that way. Hurtful, hateful, even resentful reasons.  Knowing most of the details as to why a member of my family wasn’t present, I still couldn't justify it in my mind. My heart ached.

 

I knew right away, I would not pick sides but do what I do best. Stay silent. Actually, I'm kidding. What I do best is talk. A lot! This was a time to practice doing what I do worst! STAYING SILENT. Then I was lead to pray and pray boldly! 

 

Remembering all the times God had come through for me, I decided to begin praying boldly. My family and I have had our fair share of disagreements and God intervened. So why couldn't He do it again? I had to choose the right way to deal with this touchy situation. I wanted to use this as an opportunity to trust the Lord. I wanted to quiet my mind and pray what God wanted me to pray, NOT what I thought I needed to pray. After all, I didn't want booted from my chair next!  

 

The first thing laid on my heart to pray for was forgiveness.  It is the hardest thing to do sometimes.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” I used to just pray for family salvation. Now my eyes were opened to pray that they have forgiveness in their hearts for each other.

 

Next I was moved to pray for trust.  Remember the story of Joseph and his brothers?  I’m sure that was an awkward dinner table when his brothers returned home but Joseph was missing!  But when I read about Joseph, he trusted God. I love how at the end of the story (spoiler alert!) he loved his family and forgave the terrible wrongs they had done to him.

 

This leads me to the next thing put on my heart, knowing when to speak and when to pray.  James 1:19 says you must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  My heart was unsettled.  I wanted to stick up for what was right! But the Lord quickly spoke this verse to my heart. He pretty much held my lips together because He knows me well! From my past experience with my family, speaking too quickly actually caused more harm than healing.

 

Well, I’m thankful to report that God worked faster than I thought! My little cousin, whose seat was empty at Thanksgiving, joined us for Christmas Eve dinner! She told me she no longer felt hate but said she felt like she was “wanted” at dinner this year.  One less empty seat. I believe God softened hearts in my family. It’s an answer to prayer.

 

If you are facing this type of situation as we head into the New Year, lift it up to God in prayer.  I believe God will give you what you need so your celebrations and family gatherings will be complete with “filled” chairs in 2015! Place your trust in Him.  Be obedient and listen for His still, small voice. And do it all in love… #lovepeople

 

Post by: Bethany

Worn-Out Mary

 

 

I love Christmas lights. At this time of year, I enjoy driving through Christmas light displays with my family.  Hearing the ooohhs and ahhs of my little ones makes my heart glad.  I’m more traditional in my light loving tastes though. I’m not a fan of the blinky-blinky, coordinated to music, crazy stuff.  But I sure do love seeing the old-school, plastic Nativity sets in neighborhood yards.  They remind me of my childhood.

I always wanted my parents to get one of those plastic light up sets when I was growing up but we never had one.  So when my in-laws offered my husband and me their 40 year old set, I was overjoyed.  Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus made the two hour trip from Bedford, PA to Pittsburgh with my in-laws on the day after Thanksgiving.  They were displayed on my front porch a few days later.

My girls were so excited to have the Nativity scene set up.  They played around it, bringing Baby Jesus gifts.  It was so adorable.  But as I watched them play, I noticed how worn out the plastic Mary and Joseph looked.  Joseph and Mary’s paint had worn off in spots. Mary’s nose had gotten pushed in a bit.  And then I glanced at the manger.  It was falling apart.  I began to have my doubts about how this scene would look lit up once it got dark.

My husband pieced the wooden manger back together and filled it with hay.  Mary and Joseph were plugged in and in position.  We tested them out to make sure they worked but we had no idea how they would look once the sun went down.

 I really had no need to be concerned.  The Nativity scene looked beautiful!  Mary, Joseph, and Jesus shone brightly through darkness.  That’s when it hit me.  Despite being old, faded, and a bit weary looking, the light still shone through Mary.  In this Christmas season, was the light of Jesus shining through me?

Was I letting the high expectations and stress of the holidays turn me into a “worn-out Mary” or was I going to let the light of Christ shine from me out into the dark world?  I chose right then and there to let the light shine from me. Even if I am weary from waiting in a line a mile long at the store, I am going to let the light shine.  Even if I am feeling worn out from all the holiday hustle and bustle, I am going to let Jesus’ light shine! Even if things get broken down a bit, like the small wooden manger, I am still going to let the light of Christ shine through me.

So my question for you today, as we head into the homestretch towards Christmas, are you going to be a “worn-out Mary” or will you allow the light of Jesus to shine through you into the darkness?

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15 (NIV)



Posted by Marcy

A Christmas Prayer



A Christmas Prayer

by Jimmie Lee

When I want my words to mean something; often times they struggle to release from my heart. And so, when it came to writing this post I struggled with what to write. I went back and forth in my head so many times about what I should pen down on paper, worrying about having just the right thing to say. I do this too often as well... putting so much pressure on myself to get it right, to make it perfect. Like I am supposed to be the expert. And when I let that perfectionism creep in, my thoughts get all jumbled in my heart and scattered in my head and I can’t seem to get anything out that makes any sense. So this was me. Asking myself questions like “What should I write?” What should I tell the reader?” “What story should I tell?” And then when the deadline hit and I still had nothing, I said to God, “But, What do I have to give?” Really I have nothing without Him. He answered me softly, gently, as he normally does... ‘a prayer’. Simple. God likes simple. Oh He does GRAND things, but He likes simple. So, my sweet beautiful sisters, a Christmas Prayer for you.

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are a holy, righteous and merciful father who loves his daughters so fiercely that you sent your one and only son, your one and only son! To save us from ourselves, to restore us back to You. You love us so much that you would complete this perfect plan generation to generation and fulfill each promise and prophecy that brought forth, this Jesus! How can we show our gratitude and thankfulness for such a grand gesture?! Thank you! Thank you for your free gift of grace. Thank you for your perfect gift of love through Jesus, the King!

And Lord God, I pray that through this season when distractions are high, we can focus on you and your goodness all the time. I pray Lord God that we can see with your eyes. Help us to peel back each layer of earthly pleasure this season, the decorations, shopping, cooking, traveling, help us to stripe down each layer to find this fleshy babe, this Jesus. The one we call Savior, Redeemer, Friend! Help us Holy Spirit to keep our eyes fixed on, this Jesus.

I pray Lord God for each one of us to walk out this season for Your Glory. I pray that we would use this Christmas message to reach souls for your kingdom! I pray that each one of us would be a beacon of light, even through all the glitter, glitz and gold, that we would hold fast to your truths this season. Lord God I ask that you would help each one us to see the bigger picture, the grandest story. Teach us and bring to remembrance the beginning. Help us to acknowledge each character, each obedient one that lead to the birth of this Jesus who came to save us. As your daughters, teach us to be steadfast and faithful, like Ruth, Esther and Mary. Birth something in us this season, oh Lord. Give us a renewed sense of your love. Give us new life in you. Help us Father to stay plugged into You, our life source.

As we go about our days that lead up to Christmas, help us to remember to whom we belong. Help us to see that at the core, its all about You. Keep us free from busyness, shame and guilt! Draw us closer to You, closer to your heart as we teach and care for our families. Lead us where you want us to go.

Thank you!

Thank you!

You are Holy!

Full of Glory!

Righteous!

You are Awesome!  

I ask all of these things

In Jesus name

~Amen

 

 

 

 

The Ups and Downs of Life

As I type this blog post, there’s a 6x6 hole in my laundry room ceiling.  The last three months have been full of ups and downs.  There have been some awesome “ups” from my girls’ good report cards, a warm weathered soccer season (thank you Jesus!), to a positive outcome in a family situation.  We’ve enjoyed fun times with family and friends. My oldest daughter celebrated her 7^th birthday, Star Wars style nonetheless.

 

But then there seemed to be double the amount of “downs”.  Like I said, there’s a hole in my ceiling.  I went to do laundry one day and something odd about the ceiling caught my gaze.  It had a big bubble! After some investigation, we figured out it was coming from our bathtub/shower.  It took two weeks and a much LARGER hole in the ceiling to determine its exact cause.  Then there were the costly repairs to both of our household’s vehicles.  Then, all three kids got sick.  And then, my laptop decided it didn’t want to work anymore.  (Are you sensing a theme here?)  It is by the grace of God, I’m able to type this post!

 

One evening, I sat on my couch, ready to throw myself a pity party.  I was feeling down and alone.  I kept recounting all the things that had gone on in my head, focusing more on the bad than the good.  I was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.  Then it hit me what was happening…

 

I was under attack!  While all of these ups and downs were occurring, I was being obedient to God, focusing in on Him.  I was preparing to emcee the Women’s Fall Kickoff event, organizing all the shoes donated from the shoe drive for the Extravagant Love Makeover, and most importantly, I was praying hard for the salvation of a family member. 

 

So what can you do? When you realize you are under attack, what should your next steps be?  You need an awesome outfit!  You need to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18).  No evil can penetrate it! Let’s go over the list.  Check through it as if you were pulling each item out of your closet, dressing for the day: the belt of truth (we have God’s truth which tramples on all the enemies lies), the breastplate of righteousness (it covers our heart, protecting it with God’s righteousness), feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace (a great pair of shoes motivating us to share the Good News ), shield of faith (to extinguish ALL the flaming arrows of the evil one, giving us protection), helmet of salvation (guarding our mind against doubting our salvation), sword of the Spirit (God’s Word!).  Last but certainly not least, is prayer, the finishing touches to your outfit (pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests, when we pray we are depending on God).

 

One more thing about prayer, don’t hold back from enlisting the help of others!  There’s power in prayer and it is even greater when you have got a few prayer partners interceding for you.  That night as I was feeling down in the dumps, I knew I needed some prayer warriors to come alongside me.  I sent an email to the Women’s Prayer Team right then and there, pouring out my heart.  Can I tell you, the next morning, I felt so much better.  I felt like a weight had been lifted. 

 

The attacks from the enemy can be stressful and scary.  But remember that we have the armor of God to guard ourselves with.  We have the power of prayer to draw on.  Most importantly we know that the One who is in us IS greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:14)!

 

Ladies, the Women’s Prayer Team is here for you!  It is women praying for women and all prayer requests are confidential.  Your prayer requests or praise reports can be emailed to: womenpray@westridge.cc

 

 

 

Extravagant Love Makeover - 2014

We are still filled with excitement from Saturday’s Extravagant Love Makeover!  It was such a phenomenal day from start to finish!  This year’s event was even bigger than last year.  We want to say a special thank you to each lady who gave her time, gifts, and talents (and shoes!) to this great cause.  Thanks to those who worked behind the scenes with such tasks as steaming/ironing clothes and the shoe collection.  Thanks as well to the ladies who were able to attend the event and volunteer on one (or more) of the many teams: hair, make-up, manicures, pedicures, wardrobe, hospitality, and prayer.  Whether you realize it or not, your role in that day made a difference! 

 

The event pampered over thirty ladies from the Light of Life Mission.  It was a pleasure to see several ladies return to this year’s event who had also attended it last year.  Hugs and smiles were abounding as our hosts, Jennifer Goebbel and Nicole Yoder welcomed each lady when they came in the door.

 

Once the attendees were welcomed and checked in, they were sent to one of the various stations.  All the different stations were busy and bubbling with excitement.  Whether ladies were receiving a relaxing pedicure or getting a new hairstyle, everyone was smiling. Gift bags were passed out during the day as the ladies were getting their makeovers.  The fun and laughter throughout the rooms was contagious.  Nicole Yoder commented, “It was so nice to see some walls were down and some insecurities were overcome.  The ladies truly enjoyed it.”

 

In addition to the hair, nails, and make-up, the ladies were given an outfit and pair of shoes.  Time was taken with each woman to make sure each outfit truly fit and flattered them.  Whether they were aware of it or not, their outfits were specially chosen for them and prayed over. Occasionally an on the spot alteration was completed!  Delighted ladies were showing off their outfits and shoes to their friends and taking “selfies”!

 

After all the make-up, primping, and pampering was complete, it was time to head off to dinner.  Dressed in their new outfits and shoes, the ladies boarded PAT busses especially for them and drove off to the Pittsburgh Project where the dinner was taking place.  While on the busses, each attendee received a special note and some were extra blessed with gift cards.  As they exited the bus, the women were given a rose and walked the red carpet complete with “paparazzi”.  Inside, the women met up with ladies who received makeovers from another shelter, Bethlehem Haven.

 

Following the red carpet, the ladies went on to enjoy a lavish, sit down Thanksgiving meal.  Then it was time for fashion!  Some of the ladies participated in a fashion show, showing off their new looks.  Later, all of the women got their pictures taken and put into a frame with an individual prophetic message for each lady to take home. 

 

Once the fashion show wrapped up and a time of praise and worship ended, the creator and director of the Extravagant Love Makeover, Denise Graves delivered a message to the ladies.  She talked about the importance of making new choices and how that gets passed on to the future generations.

 

At the conclusion of the message, the ladies were invited to come forward for prayer.  This was one of the most powerful parts of the evening.  The Spirit of the Lord was moving about.  Tears were shed, hugs were generously given, and love was flowing freely, extravagantly.  It was an amazing end to an awesome day!

 

“The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

 

Below are some photos from the event.  We even have a few of the "after" pictures of the ladies once they were done with their makeovers!  So beautiful!

 

 

 

 

 

The West Ridge Team of Volunteers

 

 

 

 

Freedom in Identity

Our post today comes to you from the lovely and talented Jimmie Lee Dilanni!  Jimmie Lee is a member of the Kingdom Life Team.  She shares with us what she has learned over the last few years, on her journey seeking freedom from insecurity and depression (because even Christians struggle too). Along that journey, God revealed to her that there is freedom in knowing who you are, whose you are and who he is. He showed her that freedom flows from knowing in your heart who your identity comes from. Her prayer and ours is that God will use her story to encourage you!

"And may I ever remember that no one gets to tell me who I am except my Father. Any commentaries about identity, either out there or in here, may I let them gently go." -Emily Freeman from Chatting at the Sky 

I have spent a large part of my life placing my identity in the hands of others. Looking to other's opinions of me and allowing my perception of their beliefs to shape my identity. I let myself believe the lies and in turn took on those labels as my identity. 

Shall we start at the beginning? I was quiet as a child, one might say unusually quiet and so I was quickly labeled as shy at a very young age. Because of this, I believed for a very long time that I was shy. Maybe there were moments of shyness or circumstances where I was shy, but overall I was not shy. That's identity lie #1: Too Shy.

Fast forward several years and you would find a very scared 15 year old girl pregnant with her first child. And you would see a depleted and aching soul due to an unhealthy relationship filled with mental and emotional abuse. As you can imagine, I lost my true identity pretty quickly after being immersed in that trying time. I spent the next 4 years seeking the courage to get myself out of that terrible relationship and move forward. I didn't escape unscathed. Identity lie #2: Not Good Enough.

I spent my college years and the beginning of my married years trying to combat all the lies I had let shape me, fighting to find out who I was. I was living the 'try hard' life, always striving. Trying to do all and be all for everyone. All the while, feeling like I was 'this close' to drowning, barely keeping my head above water. Searching for myself but always coming up empty handed, no matter what I tried to find my identity in. I wasn't a good enough mom, or a good enough wife. Not a good enough social worker, Christian or friend. I wasn't good enough because I was leaning on my own understanding, my perception of what the world thought my life should look like. I didn't measure up.

Friends, I was looking to the wrong source. I was barking up the wrong tree, the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. What I needed was the Tree of Life!  I started seeking and asking God to show me who I was. He is so patient and so faithful! As I look back I can pin point moments in my life, people that He used to break my chains. 

You know it wasn't until I was pregnant with my second son, that I got free from identity lie # 1, shyness. To make a long story short, a friend of mine I trust as a spiritual mentor looked at me and said, "Jimmie Lee, you are not shy." 

I rebutted "Oh, but yes I am." 

And she said, "No, I don't think you are shy." 

I argued back again, "but you didn't know me in the past, I was so shy I couldn't even say hello to people..." 

She politely interrupted and lovingly said "No, you aren't understanding. I don't think you are shy because that is just a label. When people say that my daughter is shy, I correct them and explain she is just scoping things out." 

I started balling right there in the middle of the cafe. Because for the first time, I was seeing myself in a new way, the way God wanted me to myself. I had never fathomed that it was possible for me not be shy.I knew God had used my friend to break that chain and set me forward in my journey to freedom.  

For the last 3 years I have been on this journey and God has been walking with me along the way providing just what I need in each moment. With each new step I walk deeper and deeper into the freedom that only Jesus Christ can provide.  

So sisters I want you to know that YOU are loved and known by your Father in Heaven!!! You don't have to look to others for validation anymore. You don't have to believe the lies! What Jesus has for you is so much better. So I want you to know right where you are, right now, you are... 

a good enough mom 

a good enough wife 

a good enough sister 

a good enough friend 

and a good enough Christian!  

God created you just the way you are. Those things that you think are flaws, maybe they are really strengths? God gave you those things because He has a purpose and a plan. Just ask Him… Ask Him to show you how he sees you, I dare you ;)  

I leave you with a challenge! In your quiet time this week read Psalm 139 and just let that truth penetrate your Soul and Spirit. 

If you are interested in learning more about freedom in identity, the Kingdom Life Foundations weekend is coming up this November 14-15! During the Kingdom Life Foundations Weekend, we will be exploring foundational principles of living life with the King. We will gain a deeper understanding of God as our source of life, love and identity, learn to see things from His perspective, and look at how we can live a victorious life now by operating in God's authority and power!  For more information or to sign up email kingdomlife@westridge.cc.

What God Has Joined Together...

At the Women’s “Captivating” book study this past June, I heard the testimony of the sweetest girl from Louisiana you would ever want to meet, Jennifer Miller.  She bravely got up in front of all the ladies in our group and tearfully gave her testimony of how God saved her marriage.  As I listened to her amazing story, I knew it was a story that needed to be shared with all of you as well!  So settle in with a cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage!), a box of tissues and get ready to hear a great love story.  But this love story is different.  It’s not just about how a guy and girl meet, fall in love, and get married. It is the grander story of God’s rescuing and transforming love!

Jennifer grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana. Back when Jen was growing up, it was a small town.  She attended a private Christian school and spent most of her time involved in school or church activities throughout the week.  Growing up, Jen knew she wanted more of an adventurous life and wanted to break out of her small town bubble. Right after graduating high school, Jen moved to California.  While working in California, she became engaged to a man twelve years her senior from her hometown.

Jennifer gave up her California lifestyle and moved back to Shreveport.  Her engagement however, did not last.  She broke it off and swore off of dating for awhile.  Jen wanted to start college but by now she was a bit older than most freshmen.  None of the colleges she applied to were calling her.  Desperate to leave Shreveport again, Jen quickly accepted an invite from an old friend to visit the University of Lafayette three hours away.

While on her visit, Jennifer attended a cookout.  As she was mingling amongst friends she saw sitting on the couch, the man who would be her future husband, Josh.  Before you know it, the cute shy guy on the couch got up the courage to talk to her.  She and Josh clicked right away and Jen was convinced that the University of Lafayette was the place for her.  Two weeks after she applied, she was accepted.

As Jennifer and Josh got to know each other more and began dating, Jennifer came to the realization that they were unequally yoked.  Despite her Christian upbringing, Jen drifted away from the morals and values she had once held dear.  She knew that even in dating, she needed to be equally yoked, yet she accepted that Josh just wasn’t where she was spiritually. There was something about him that just seemed to stick with her.

After a year and a half of dating, Josh proposed to Jennifer.  Josh’s mom was not very supportive of the engagement and appeared to Jen to be unaccepting of their relationship.  This ended up causing some of issues in their marriage later on.  As they moved through the wedding planning process other issues would come up along the way that they pushed through.  Jen began to recognize that Josh avoided conflict and when disagreements arose with his mom, he would not defend Jen.

Despite all the drama during their engagement, Jennifer and Josh were married in January of 2008.  (Although, Jen refers to it as, “having had a wedding.” Looking back on her story now, she feels it was not the day they were truly married.)  Two months later, the couple bought their first home and settled in to married life.

However, problems were beginning to rise to the surface.  While working and going to school, Jennifer was struggling with the stresses of life.  She had gained some weight and Josh became critical of that.  Both of their expectations of what a husband and wife were to be weren’t being met.  Josh expected Jen to be more of a homemaker and was taking his frustrations out verbally.  Meanwhile, Jen was not being obedient or submissive to her husband.  All the while, they were looking for a church home.  As they visited different churches Josh became more unsupportive of Jen.  It was becoming clear that he was not interested having a relationship with Jesus.

As time went on, the couple continued to grow farther and farther apart.  Things were not going well in the marriage.  Jen had the opportunity to study abroad in Paris and she jumped at the chance to escape.  Josh told Jen that he didn’t want her to go.  He felt like he couldn’t be without her.  Despite Josh’s disapproval, Jen booked her airline tickets and headed to France. Jen had a wonderful time in Paris and Josh did come to visit her.   In the end though, the entire situation seemed to tear down their marriage further.

After a year and a half of marriage, Jennifer and Josh’s relationship was crumbling.  She had moved to the guest room in their house.  She had reached the point where she felt like she despised him.  Spiritually, she was feeling weak.  The couple tried counseling but it only seemed to make things worse. Jen felt like Satan was just pouring things into her life to keep her distracted and keep her from working on the things she needed to work on.  It was at this time too, that Jennifer preoccupied herself by developing a friendship with another guy. 

By now, Jennifer felt like she wanted a divorce.  She felt like she needed time away from her and Josh’s situation and that she needed to heal.  So Jen decided to move out.  She told Josh that they needed to separate and Josh was stunned. 

Meanwhile, the friendship that Jennifer had developed with another guy had turned into an affair.  Also around this time, the man that Jennifer had been engaged to years before had passed away unexpectedly.  Not only was she struggling with her own declining marriage but now she was grieving the loss of a man that she had at one time, promised to spend the rest of her life with. Jen was hurting but Josh was unable to understand or empathize with her.

Jennifer felt like she just needed to get away from her situation.  She moved out of her home and in with a good girlfriend who let her stay in a room in her house.  She found a job that involved extensive travel.   She felt like it was a perfect situation because she could escape all of her problems at home.  But, when you are running from yourself there really is no escape.

Jennifer was hurting and trying to end the affair she had started.  Working out of state turned out to be a blessing for her.  She was able to get plugged in to a local church, she got involved in a women’s Bible study, and received therapy from the local college.  All the while, Josh was still trying to persuade Jennifer to come home.  He would send her flowers each week despite her protests.  Jen told Josh that all he was doing was pushing her away.

Unknown to Jennifer, while she was out of state, a transformation was taking place in Josh.  He was earnestly seeking God. He was attending their old church and receiving counsel from the pastor.  The desperation over his situation with Jen had driven him to Jesus.

One weekend when Jennifer was in town for a visit, she confronted Josh.  She told him to stop sending her flowers, to stop pursuing her, and to stop fighting for her.  But Josh would not be dissuaded.  Incensed, Jen said to Josh, “Fine.  If you aren’t going to stop fighting for me then you better know what you are fighting for.” And with that she admitted her affair to Josh. To Jen’s utter shock, Josh replied, “I’m still going to fight for you.”  At that moment, Jennifer had for the first time, really experienced God’s love through someone else.

The couple was still on the verge of divorce.  But you never should put a period where God has placed a comma.  Little by little, God was working on Jen and Josh.  Josh was becoming more involved in church and was steadily developing his own relationship with Jesus.  He had gotten to the point where he had taken off his wedding ring, placed it in a box with all the couple’s wedding pictures and told God, “I’m giving this over to You now.” 

In light of all that though, Josh had made an appointment with an attorney to move forward in the divorce process.  He told Jen one Friday that everything was set for a meeting the following Monday morning.

However, Josh called Jennifer that Monday and informed her he cancelled the appointment.  Jen was angry.  She wanted closure and just wanted the whole ordeal to be over.  Little did she know that over that weekend, Josh had run in to an old friend who had been in his same situation years before.  The friend advised Josh, “Don’t give up!”

Meanwhile, that same Monday, on a flight heading back to work, Jen was seated next to an older gentleman who just so happened to be a chaplain.  The two began a conversation that would turn into a wonderful friendship to this day.  G.A., as Jennifer calls him, (short for guardian angel) would text or call her daily, encouraging her, reminding her to trust in what God had for her.  He continually took the focus off of her marriage and had her reflect upon herself.  He would call her to let her know he was praying for her, even calling her one night at 4 a.m. giving her a word that he had received for her.  It turns out it was confirmation the exact same word that Jennifer was given at her Bible study only hours before! God was continually placing people in both Jennifer and Josh’s lives that would encourage them not to give up on their marriage. 

A few weeks later, Jennifer and Josh met up for coffee and the tide began to turn.  They began talking more and getting to know each other again.  They started courting and Jennifer realized that Josh was a changed man.  There was something wonderfully different about him.  And that wonderfully different thing was that he was now a man transformed by the love of Christ!

Jennifer and Josh were slowly growing closer together again.  The couple came to the realization that they truly wanted to start over.  Two months later, Josh re-proposed with a new engagement ring and the couple decided to renew their vows.  They agreed that since they were starting over, they wanted a new beginning.  So the day before their renewal ceremony, they were baptized together.

Jennifer and Josh’s marriage is drastically different these days.  They made God the center of their marriage. They agreed that their free will had put them into their original situation but it was also their free will that allowed them to choose to be obedient to God.  God transformed both of them and healed their marriage.

Today, Jennifer and Josh live with their adorable daughter, Audrey and are joyfully awaiting the arrival of Baby Nora this February. They still have their ups and downs like any married couple does but after having experienced the true eternal love of Jesus and the power of forgiveness, they have vowed to never revert back to their past.  They don’t dwell on their past but willingly share their testimony with others. Their biggest message for couples today is that no matter where you were when you met your spouse, the reason why God put you in each other’s lives is to show your spouse how much God loves them through YOU!

Now dry those happy tears, clear away the Kleenex!  It’s time for Jennifer to answer the Super Six questions!

1. Are you a morning person or night owl? Night owl!!!
2. What was the last book you read? “Captivating” by John & Stasi Eldredge
3. What is your favorite way to relax? Getting a massage or maybe a mani/pedi!
4. What would you have for the perfect meal? That’s a hard question for a pregnant woman! A good rib eye steak, crawfish etteoufe, some veggies and sweet tea.
5. What is your favorite Scripture to meditate on in times of stress? There’s so many…  Philippians 4:13, the verses about the armor of God and the fruits of the Spirit.
6. What is your favorite thing about West Ridge? The people!  Jesus shines through everyone there!

I Heart You

It is not very often that I am in the car all alone.  Usually I am cruising in my minivan, hauling kiddos to and fro. (Don’t be hating on the minivan – automatic sliding doors and stowaway seating, you gotta love it.) Car rides with my girls are a bit like being questioned by the KGB.  I get questions like, “What do groundhogs like to eat?” to “Why does daddy love you?” to “Do prisoners need to eat their fruit in jail?”

One evening though, I had to make a late night run to the store.  The prospect of some quiet alone time in the car was exciting me.  I could listen to whatever I wanted on the radio and not be peppered with questions or try to break up fights from the driver’s seat.  I climbed in and began my drive.  It was a beautiful night and it seemed like I was the only one on the road.

We make it a habit in our household to pray before we go on car trips.  I’m not sure how it started but it is just something we do.  We usually thank God for the day, ask for safety in our travels, and then the kids will throw in their requests.  Sometimes it is for a good day, to see a friend, or thanking God for new shoes.  You never know what is weighing on the heart of a three year old until you tell her it is her turn to pray.

On this night though, I had some things that were resting like a ton of bricks on my mind.  As is our habit, I began to pray while I turned the key in the ignition.  I pulled out of the drive and headed down the street. “Father God, I thank you for this day.  Please keep me safe as I travel this evening.” I whispered out loud.

As I drove to the store, my prayers grew more intense.   I was praying out loud and I was praying feverishly.  I was pouring out my heart to God right there in the front seat of my minivan.  Tears began streaming down my cheeks.  I was releasing every stress, every concern, and every problem from my tight grasp.  I laid them down at the feet of Jesus as I pulled into my parking spot at the store. 

Feeling like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders; I searched for a tissue to wipe my tears.  Then out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of something dark.  “Oh please don’t be stink bug!” I thought as I cringed and focused in on it.  However, to my surprise and great delight, I realized it was a heart!

Something on my windshield was making a heart shadow on my doorframe!  I must say, it was the best shadow I have ever seen.  It was like an “I heart you” message from my Savior!  In that moment, I was reassured that my prayers were heard, that Jesus cried with me, and I didn’t have to wrestle with those things anymore.  I left them in the hands of my Lord. 

In the course of your day, have you taken a moment to get alone with Jesus?  I believe the most powerful and moving times of prayer are when you really quiet yourself and share your entire heart with the Lord.  Cry out to Him.  Let loose and reveal everything.  Nothing you say will surprise Him.  He already knows what is on your mind and is longing to be alone with you.  He wants to comfort you and give you peace. He wants you at your real and raw self.  He wants you to know “I heart you!”

“The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV

 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV 

My special heart shadow!

West Ridge Women Spotlight #4 - Shannon Harsh

Recently I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shannon Harsh.  Shannon joined the West Ridge Women’s Ministry Team a few months ago and has had the excitement of giving “birth” to a latest “addition” to the Women’s Ministry, Encourage!

Shannon and her husband, Doug, live in North Fayette Township.  They are the parents of Haley (9), Gracie (4), and Jacob (2).  They are joyfully expecting the arrival of baby #4, Rebekah, in January.

Due to Doug’s job in the military, their family moves quite often.  They are experts at packing and unpacking, even managing to have pictures up on walls within a couple days of a move.  However, Shannon and her family have lived here for a year and a half so far and she’s hoping they can stay in Pittsburgh a few more years.

Shannon’s story is one a lot of women can relate to.  About ten years ago, before she became a Christian, Shannon was in a very bad and dangerous relationship.  She endured various kinds of abuse from her boyfriend at the time.  It wasn’t until she was seven months pregnant with her daughter, Haley, that she hit rock bottom.  She knew she needed to change her life and the only one who could help her out of her desperate situation was Jesus. 

Once Shannon accepted Jesus as her Savior, her life turned around 180 degrees.  Everything in her life changed.  She left her abusive relationship and bravely began life as a single mother.  With the guidance of her grandparents, she started attending church.  She moved to a different home, got a different car, changed jobs, and began her life all over again.

Two years pass by and at Shannon’s new job, she just so happened to meet the man who would be her future husband, Doug!  Shannon says of the day they met, “God told me as soon as I saw him that I was going to marry him.  When I heard that, I just laughed.” But before you know it, the two began going to church together, started dating, followed by an engagement, and were married soon after that.

Fast forward a few years.  After moving to the Pittsburgh area, Shannon and Doug began the search for a church home.  One weekend, while Shannon was away, Doug gave West Ridge a try.  Doug told her he felt like West Ridge was going to be the right place for them.  After Shannon’s visit the following week, she agreed, “It felt like home.”

As the one year anniversary of her first visit to West Ridge approaches, Shannon is very excited to put all of her education, training and life experiences to work in to leading the Encourage ministry. Shannon said, “This is something that I have had on my heart for years.” She actually is hoping that God will grow it into something even bigger down the road, “I’d love to open a house for single, abused moms.”

Encourage will be lead by Shannon and she has three coaches on hand right now to assign to pregnant moms as they enroll in the program.  Each mom will be assigned a coach to walk with them all the way through their pregnancy and delivery.  The moms-to-be will be receiving regular encouragement from their coaches as well as being covered in prayer by them.  All through the pregnancy, coaches will be available to their assigned mom-to be to answer any questions or offer advice.  After their new baby arrives, the new mommas can anticipate being showered with even more blessings such as having meals be delivered to them or baby essentials, like diapers and wipes.

The Encourage team is also equipped for any type of pregnancy as well.  The ministry is prepared and trained to handle such issues as: unplanned pregnancies, single motherhood, miscarriages, and premature births.  Also, Encourage is not limited only to ladies who are members of West Ridge.  “We want to reach out to the community too.” Shannon explains. 

If you are expecting and would like to sign up for the Encourage ministry or if you would like to serve in the ministry alongside Shannon, please email her at: encourage@westridge.cc.

No one escapes a West Ridge Women’s Spotlight interview without answering the Super Six questions…  Here’s what Shannon shared with us:

1. Are you a morning person or night owl?  I’m a morning person, but only because I have to be. I’m in bed by 9:00.  As soon as the kids go down, I’m going down too!
2. What was the last book you read? “Angels Walking” by Karen Kingsbury
3. What is your favorite way to relax? Reading.  I love to read!
4. What would you have for the perfect meal? Jeremiah Fountain’s lasagna. He makes his own noodles. It’s the best I’ve ever had! Oh, and some chocolate!
5. What is your favorite Scripture to meditate on in times of stress? My favorite has always been Jeremiah 29:11. (“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”)
6. What is your favorite thing about West Ridge? It’s family.  I don’t come out of my shell easily and I’ve been able to do that here.  It’s really awesome.

Expect Success

My highschool yearbook

My 20 year high school reunion took place last month. Pause with me for a moment and allow that number sink in.  Two decades.  TWENTY years since I graduated high school!  Now, for some of you reading this, you may think twenty years? Try thirty, forty, or even fifty! And there may be some of you who just have tossed your graduation cap in the air a few months ago.  This milestone, well, for me, it required some time to really take it in and think about.

I did not attend the reunion.  The people that meant the most to me in 1994 were not going to be attending.  I felt that since I still kept in touch with them through Facebook, plunking down a chunk of cash for the reunion to be around a bunch of people I hardly knew 20 years ago wasn’t worth it. Of course that didn’t stop me from checking out the reunion pictures from the “official reunion” Facebook page.  Oh come on, you know you would too!

As I looked at the group picture of everyone in attendance at the reunion, I hardly recognized anyone.  The names sounded familiar but the faces… not so much.  So naturally it was time to dig out the old yearbook! Thankfully it was tucked away in my old bedroom.  When I pulled it out, all those high school memories came flooding back. I scanned the title on the front, “Expect Success”. “Hmm... Really? That’s quite a statement.” I thought.  Twenty years ago, I didn’t expect success.  I just wanted to get out of high school.  I was ready to take my diploma and run out the door.

You guys, I will be the first to admit, 1994 was not the height of fashion either.  The hair.  The BIG hair. And pegged jeans.  My word. But I digress… Anyhow, I flipped through the first few pages.  I read all the little notes and comments from friends. (Remember "K.I.T."? Keep in touch! Do teenagers even write that kind of stuff anymore? I’m pretty sure they don’t.)  Most the references and little jokes totally escaped me here in 2014.  I had no idea what some of these people were writing about or who they even were! Oh, but there were some precious notes from best friends way back then.  They made me smile and remember some of the fun, fun times we had.

After reading all the notes and comments, I headed to the index to find all the places my picture was.  Let me tell you, my pictures were very few and very far between. My quotes in the yearbook were even sparser.  I began to regret not participating more, not joining clubs or activities. The quotes I did have all pointed to one thing – graduation.  I simply could not wait to exit high school.  The end of my senior year could not come fast enough for me.

For the next few days after reading my yearbook, it haunted me.  I kept going over in my mind all the things I should have done or could have done.  I thought about all the things I missed out on.  I thought about how I had always felt like an outsider.  I remembered the teasing, harassing, and bullying.  I know I am not the only one who took a far staircase to avoid someone in the hall who could ruin your whole day with a few choice words.

Then, once I was really starting to feel bad about “1994 Marcy”, I recalled all the awful choices, mistakes, and dumb stuff I did. I think we can all agree that sometimes teenagers are not the wisest people in the world.  In 1994, I just wanted my life to hurry up and start.  I wasn’t motivated at all and so tired of school that I had no desire to go to college.  I made bad decisions about my future, my time, my friends, and I made especially bad choices about guys.

After about 3 days of high school reminiscing, I actually really disliked “1994 Marcy”.  And then a funny thing happened.  Pastor Mark Simpson visited West Ridge and gave a sermon about regret.  He went through a list of life’s “6 biggest regrets”.  I believe I checked all 6 off. Each one he went through, I would think to myself, “Yep, did that one.  Oh yes, that applies to me.  Oh, there’s another one!”

It’s been my experience though, that God will always find a way to speak to your heart, especially when you are hurting.  Sometimes He speaks right to you, or through His Word, or through another person.  That Sunday morning, God chose to speak to me through the message Mark was delivering. 

After Mark got done talking about the regrets that we may have in our past, he talked about how the only true antidote for regret is repentance.  God reminded me that all those mistakes and bad choices were washed away.  My burden lifted and eyes opened.  All that dislike for “1994 Marcy” melted away. 

When I accepted Jesus as my Savior, my sins were forgiven.  My slate wiped clean.  I repented of my old ways and turned away from them.  Once that happened, my friend, my life was radically different.

Because Jesus is my Savior, I do expect success. 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)

“He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.” Proverbs 2:7 (NIV)

Ladies, we are always here for you! If you are struggling with something today, be it past regrets or anything at all, please email women@westridge.cc with questions or prayers.  We love you!