Oh my heart!

Priceless in His Sight
5 Jul 2010
Ariel Allison Lawhon, She Reads Co-Director

"How priceless is Your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of Your wings." Psalm 36:7 (NIV)

Like many other Russian orphans, Masha was forced out of an orphanage at 15 and sent to a tech school – an underfunded holding tank for kids who learn how to lay brick or paint walls. One day, a group of professional looking, wealthy women came to the school and interviewed the girls for the best jobs in Russia. They were promised fancy clothes, expensive jewelry, and all the money they could hope for. Masha was chosen, and assumed her dreams had come true.

However, she quickly realized this dream had turned into an ugly nightmare.

She was taken to an apartment and beaten. In a matter of hours she would be entering the s*x trade. The life that loomed before her was one of forced prostitution.

This is a story that's repeated across the globe in staggering numbers. In Eastern Europe alone, 200,000 women and children are sold into slavery every year. Innocents shipped off to brothels, never reported missing and never rescued. The s*x trade is now a multi-billion dollar industry and the United States is one of the biggest consumers. I imagine Jesus weeping. We should as well.

Though some consider these women and children a commodity, something to be bought and sold, God sees their worth: priceless, cherished, beautiful. Our value as human beings is not calculated in assets or financial holdings, gender or age, or what we can bring on some shady black market auction block, but as image-bearers of God. Every human is priceless because we are formed by the hand of God for His glory, made for a purpose that was never meant to include slavery o r violation. We believe this. And we must put that faith into action.

The good news is that not every story ends in suffering. Masha, for one, escaped her terrible fate. As she waited in that apartment for a group of men to claim her, she remembered a ministry center sponsored by Children's HopeChest – an organization run by She Reads author Tom Davis. She remembered being cared for and shown the love of Christ there. Masha escaped the apartment and ran to the HopeChest Ministry Center in Kostroma where the staff immediately called the authorities and gave her protection.

Today she is safe, receiving an education, and has a future – because of the caring work of believers, believers just like you and me. There is hope for girls like Masha and there are tangible things that every believer in Christ can do to help those who are not as fortunate. Starting with prayer...

Dear Lord, would You have mercy on the countless victims who are locked a way, suffering the unspeakable? Comfort them. Redeem them. Be their hope and their ransom. But more than that, Jesus, would You show me what I can do to help? Show me how to be a voice for mercy and justice. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

She Reads author, Tom Davis, knows what it means to walk into the darkest places on earth and show mercy. His novel Priceless tells the gripping story of a young Russian girl swept into the s*x trade. The novel is this month's She Reads selection – visit the site to learn more about the novel and enter today's giveaway for coffee and a copy!

Priceless by Tom Davis

Consider sponsoring a child and help them be released from poverty through Compassion International – your sponsorship could keep them off the streets and safe from the slavery trade.

Too Small to Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most by Dr. Wess Stafford

Application Steps:
Visit Tom Davis's blog, www.sheispriceless.com to learn how you can help those trapped in the s*x slave industry.

Pray that God's mercy will extend to every victim of this horrible situation.

Give to ministries that rescue women and children from the s*x trade.

Sponsor orphans in need of shelter and protection.

Get educated on the realities of the s*x slave industry.

Be vigilant to watch for victims near you – it happens in every city in the United States.

Reflections:
Does my heart break over the things that break God's heart?

Power Verses:
Isaiah 43:1, "But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'" (NIV)


Zechariah 7:9, "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.'" (NIV)

This brings me to tears that so many young women and children are being taken advantage of, abused and mistreated. I know at times we like to play dumb and not see these things that are are so horrible happening in this world. But they most definitely are. We as believers in Christ cannot be silent anymore. We must look beyond ourselves and reach out to the hurting and the needy. One thing that will bring this home like no other (as hard as this is to imagine) picture this happening to your daughter. If you don't have a daughter then your niece or a dear friend's little girl. Oh the horror of what that would be like. I have such a hard time even going there in my mind thinking something like this could happen to Jaycee or my nieces. Also, to know what I would do to get them out of something like that. Literally, I would give my life to rescue them from that. Shouldn't we being do that for these girls? Shouldn't we be asking God how can I help rescue these girls from a life that has taken them to a feeling of utter worthlessness! Like us these girls were created in the image of God. Like us they need a Savior and Redeemer. Like us they need to be loved and restored and healed. We need to be Jesus' hands and feet to them. Pray for them and pray that God will show you what you can do to help these girls and how best to show them God's love for them. At the end of this devotional they have listed some items that can help you gain more understanding of what is happening in the s*x trade world. Also, you can google organizations that are specifically dedicated to helping these girls out. Be a voice for these girls that do not have one. Pray for them and I know our Heavenly Father will hear our prayers and answer them.

Daily Devotionals

I highly recommend signing up for Proverbs31ministries daily devotionals. You will receive a daily devotional via email Monday-Friday. They are so good! Last week God used one of them to speak directly to my heart! Last week I was struggling with some things and trying to work them all out in my head. I am not going specific here with what I was struggling with, but these issues bring me to tears most days. But, I am learning that I need to take each day as it comes. Be thankful for each day I am given and to live that day glorifying God in all that I do. I can't worry about things that are out of my control. I can't fix everything. I can't make things happen. I am learning that I must be obedient to the things God is calling me to do. Each activity throughout the day, each thought I have, or crisis I encounter I must take it before God asking Him how I can glorify Him through them. I am learning, too that God is enough. As my mom in law shared with me the other day about a bible study she is going through at church is that God has given us the best gift ever, His son Jesus Christ. Through Jesus we have the ability to have a relationship with our Maker and Creator. There is not a more precious gift ever then that.

So here is the daily devotional of last week that God used to get my attention.


Is God Enough?
2 Jul 2010
Melissa Taylor

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

Is God enough? It's a question that my life circumstances force me to keep going back to. What I've concluded is that not only is God enough, but He has to be enough. I've also concluded that it takes effort on my part to keep myself aware of this.

As a young child, I didn't realize my need for God, but I did realize that I had a need that was not fulfilled. I was sexually abused when I was seven years old. My dad left our family when I was eleven. Both circumstances left me devastated, and I didn't understand how God could bring healing at that time. I spent many years trying to heal myself and make myself feel better. Nothing worked.

As I grew older and began to move from being a Christian who simply believed to a Christian who was actively involved with Jesus, my life began to change. Because I was having conversations with Him directly and reading His Word consistently, my life was challenged. I learned that when the hard knocks came, and they would, I needed to ask myself one question in order to move on. "Is God enough?"

When a friend betrays me, is God enough? When I need to forgive someone for something that seems unforgivable, is God enough?

When my child is having issues that are out of my control, is God enough? When my marriage is on the brink of destruction, is God enough?

When I am not forgiven by another person, is God enough?

When my mother is dying of cancer, is God enough?

When others don't recognize my value, is God enough?

When I am struggling professionally, is God enough?

When someone I love uses words to hurt me, is God enough?

When I am in debt and don't know how I'll pay my bills, is God enough?

When I am reminded of something I did in the past, is God enough?

When the world is in turmoil, is God enough?

When my health is declining, is God enough?

When I am let down and disappointed in my life, is God enough?

Just last night, I sat in my room crying. Here I was again asking, "Is God enough?" I opened a box full of personalized Bible verses that someone very special gave to me. I began reading them out loud to myself. Verse by verse, I began combating the thoughts that were paralyzing me with self doubt. What I discovered is the conclusion I always come to when I ask myself "Is God enough?" Yes He is.

I could lose everything in life. There's not anything I have here on earth that is guaranteed. If I lost it all though, I'd be okay because no one can take away my identity in Christ. Whether I live in a mansion on a hill or a shack in the swamp, I have my Jesus. Whether the world is for me or against me, I have my Jesus. When I am knocked down, I get on my knees and there I find my Jesus. His Word is planted deep in my heart and I believe it all.

When life becomes more than you think you can handle, don't quit. And certainly don't believe the lies you may be entertaining in your head. Instead, ask yourself, "Is God enough for me?" The answer could change everything.

Dear Lord, help me to realize that the secret to being content in all circumstances is You. Help me to be aware of Your presence in my life at all times. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


When I ask myself this question my answer is YES GOD IS ENOUGH!!! No matter what life throws at me I know that God is enough! I am learning to trust this truth more and more every day!!!

Won't You Be My Love by Mercy Me

When you fall asleep tonight
In your warm and cozy room
Know that I'm awake
And I've got no shelter and no food

[Pre-Chorus 1:]
I am not alone
My friends are broke and lost
Looking for someone to lead them to my cross
I need your help, I need your help

[Chorus 1:]
Won't you be My voice calling
Won't you be My hands healing
Won't you be My feet walking into a broken world
Won't you be My chain-breaker
Won't you be My peacemaker
Won't you be My hope and joy
Won't you be My Love

[Verse 2:]
The other side of the world
She is just a few days old
A helpless little girl
With no family of her own

[Pre-Chorus 2:]
She is not to blame for the journey she is on
Her life is no mistake
Won't you lead her to My cross?

[Chorus 1:]
Won't you be My voice calling
Won't you be My hands healing
Won't you be My feet walking into a broken world
Won't you be My chain-breaker
Won't you be My peacemaker
Won't you be My hope and joy
Won't you be My Love

[Bridge:]
To those I call My own
To those I've set aside
As spotless without blame
The chosen ones My bride

[Chorus 2:]
We will be Your voice calling
We will be Your hands healing
We will be Your feet walking into a broken world
We will be Your chain-breaker
We will be Your peacemaker
We will be Your hope and joy
We will be Your love

I don't have much time to fully share all that my heart is saying at this moment. We are about to head out the door for our 3rd day of Vacation Bible School. As I was getting ready this morning, I was listening to Mercy Me's new cd The Generous Mr.Lovewell. This was my first time of listening to it and this song came on. I couldn't finish putting on my make-up for the tears streaming down my face. Lord, help me and help all the followers of You be Your voice calling, Your hands healing, Your feet walking, Your chain-breaker, Your peacemaker, Your hope and joy and Your love to the world around us. This will look different in each of our lives, but remember this don't let your surroundings, your family, your friends, your community, your culture stop you from being the hands and feet of Jesus. Pursue Him daily and live a life changed for the glory of God.

Show me what it means by Meredith Andrews

You don't want my perfection
All You ask of me
Is that I show up broken at Your feet
You don't want my religion
You are looking for devotion
That is more than just routine

So show me what it means

To take up my cross
And count it all as lost
All for the sake
Of knowing You
To love my enemies
And care for those in need
Show me what it means
To follow You

Have I become like the Pharisee?
Passing by the needy
While I'm speaking Jesus on my lips
Will I walk with You on raging seas?
Or will I turn away
When You want more than what I want to give

So show me what it means
What it means

To take up my cross
And count it all as lost
All for the sake
Of knowing You
To love my enemies
And care for those in need
Show me what it means
To follow You

To love as You love
And live as You lived
To never give up
On giving You my life
To love as You love
And live as You lived
To find out what it means
To be alive
To be alive

To take up my cross
And count it all as lost
All for the sake
Of knowing You
To love my enemies
And care for those in need
Show me what it means
To follow You

If you have never heard of or listened to Meredith Andrews I highly recommend that you do. Her songs are amazing. The lyrics will convict you and challenge you. Lately her 2 albums are all I listen to. I usually end up in tears at the end of each song. My heart so longs to have a deeper love for my King and Savior. My heart so longs to live passionately for my King. My heart so longs to live the way Jesus Christ did on this earth. My heart so longs to live the kind of faith that says God you are truly all I need that nothing else matters. I so desperately want to have this kind of faith and love for my King. I know its a process. That God is working in me transforming me to be the image bearer that He created me to be. As I mentioned in yesterday's post God has used several books to change our hearts. Here are a list of these books. As you read them be ready for the Holy Spirit to began a work in your heart. Its challenging, its convicting, but oh how wonderful it is to have God's peace, love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness at work in your life! I know we are just at the beginning stages of it. We battle everyday with surrendering our will to our Heavenly Father's will, but oh its so worth it. God's love truly is better than life!!!

Crazy Love and Forgotten God by Francis Chan
Radical by David Platt
Adopted for Life by Russell Moore
Don't Waste your Life by John Piper

"Only one life, 'Twill soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last."

2 1/2 years....

is how long we have been back in Oklahoma. No, this isn't a post to announce that we are moving back to Washington or moving in general. Its a post for our family to look back upon and remember God's goodness and faithfulness. It was extremely difficult for us to leave Washington 2 1/2 years ago. As much as I love my family and had the desire of being close to them, I had really grown quite attached to all of our family and friends in Washington. God used our time in Washington to grow my relationship with Byron's family. I am super thrilled that Marilee was able to be a part of Jackson's birth. Having a home birth with Jackson was the most incredible thing ever. I LOVED it! I am thankful God allowed us to be able to have those moments to cherish. Also, the friendships that developed into deeper ones with the "Nooksack gang" as well as the friendships that blossomed from our small group from NCCTK. It was very difficult to leave so many amazing families.

Of course, in any change through life you always have your mind set on how things will go. We go about life with a plan, but when you are a follower of Christ you need to be ready for changes to be made. Our family's spiritual life has been on a journey like no other over the past 2 1/2 years with the last 6 months being the most powerful. The journey by no means has been easy. There have been many tears shed throughout. Tears of joy, tears of sadness, tears of heartache, and tears from just crying out to the Lord for His direction and plan for us. Its definitely been a struggle for us, but praise God that He has kept us as individuals, us as a couple, and us as a family in the palm of His hands. His grace has been sufficient for us and that His love for us has been unconditional. He has been faithful to see us through the changes and it has all been for His glory which is by far the best part of it all!!!

When we first moved back to Oklahoma we attended church where I grew up attending. The people are great, but it was difficult especially with 2 young children to be involved like we so desired to be involved. The driving time was 40 minutes each way. The closest friends we had from church (which they are still some of our dearest friends) Trey and Serah live 35 minutes from us. We stuck with it for a year, but felt that God was calling us away from there. It wasn't the right fit for us. So we tried a church in Duncan, which the drive was about 25 minutes from our house each way. That was really nice. We were there about 6 months, but we still didn't have that peace in our heart that this was our home church. Around the beginning of this year, God really began to stir mine and Byron's hearts. We had both come to the place that we knew we needed to come together on some things. We begin studying the Bible more, we researched things in great detail, and God used some great books to speak to our hearts as well. Through all of this God has built a firm foundation in our hearts on the grace we have received through faith in Jesus Christ. We have grown so much spiritually it can only be explained that God has been at work in our hearts. He also led us to an amazing church family at Immanuel Baptist Church in Duncan. Its a 20 minute drive from our house. The pastor and the staff are in love with God. They are pursuing Him with their whole hearts and leading the congregation to do the same. The people are caring and loving, and the messages are challenging. This is the right fit for us. The childrens' ministry is incredible. Both kids love it. God has blessed us already with some wonderful friendships. We have been there for only a short time, but we feel like its been our church family for a very long time. I am so thankful for God's faithfulness and His answers to prayer. Even though at times, I didn't think He was listening to my prayers, He was just saying "Wait my child. I hear your cry and see your heart. Its in my timing, not yours my child." How grateful I am that God's way is BEST!!! He knew exactly what we needed and even blessed us well beyond that!!!

In saying all of this, here are pictures of some of the wonderful families God has joined us with at IBC. My heart was overjoyed to witness God's answer to prayers for not only us to have such wonderful friends, but our kids to have them, too. This past Friday, myself and 3 other moms with their kids met at Haliburton Park in Duncan. It has a putt-putt golf course that we took the kids thru. After the fast and furious game of putt-putt was done we headed over to the playground area. Around 11:30 we sat down and had a picnic lunch together! It was a fabulous day with amazing moms and their babies!!! Thank you, Lord for Your goodness, kindness, love, and faithfulness. Thank you for caring for us and providing for our EVERY need!!!!








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Better late then never!

Of course I had hoped to do this post a couple of weeks ago, but hadn't really found the time to sit down at the computer to put it all together. Memorial Day we spent at my parents' house. We had lunch with my parents and spent the afternoon watching the kids play in the kiddie pool and sprinkler. It was a beautiful sunny day! The kids had a fabulous time! They even had a water fight with their Paw Paw. If my memory serves me correctly, Jackson fell asleep on the way home around 5:30 p.m. I placed him on the couch in hope that he would just take a little short nap. After several attempts to wake him up we stopped trying. I changed him into a pull-up and carried him off to bed. He came in our room around 2:00 a.m. He went potty and crawled in our bed and slept til 8:00 a.m. the next morning! We have spent many days outside playing in the water and its the best remedy for getting kids completely exhausted and they sleep fabulously all night long!!!( B/c of this the parents' get great rest, too!!!)

Enjoy the pics!!!

Playing Catch up!

The last couple of weeks have been crazy busy! I think I have been gone from the house everyday for something. I totally love it! Of course, you would think the house would stay in order a little better b/c we aren't here, but when you are on the go so much things just get tossed around. Oh, well!

So this is my "catch up" post. We celebrated Jaycee's birthday on Saturday May 22nd. We had just a little family party. Jaycee's birthday theme this year was Tinkerbell. The family went in together and got Jaycee a John Deere power wheels Gator. We sent her on a scavenger hunt to find it. She loved doing the scavenger hunt and she was super excited when she found the Gator. Both kids love playing on the Gator.

On Sunday evening, Jaycee sang again at church with the pre-school choir. She so loves to sing and its so precious to watch all of those little pre-schoolers worshiping God. Their teachers do a fabulous job with them all. They will start up choir again in the Fall. Jackson will be joining Jaycee on stage. The 3 year old class will be on stage to sing one song with the 4 and 5 year old classes. I am sure in the Fall I will be really nervous b/c I am not quite sure how Jackson will do. He will either not go up on stage at all or he will be wild and crazy! Hopefully, by then he will be somewhere in the middle of those 2 extremes.

Jaycee also has a best friend that is so sweet and precious from church. Chloe is 2 days older then Jaycee. May 27th, Chloe, her mom Mandy, Jaycee, and I had a little girls' play date. We had so much fun. We went to a fun little store called Dear Friends in Duncan. The owner of the store is super sweet and loves little girls! Chloe and Jaycee got to make their own lip gloss and body lotion. The girls loved doing it. They started out a little shy, but by the end they were definitely into making the stuff. Its so darling seeing them interact with one another. After that we headed to the park. We had lots of fun, but by the end both girls were exhausted. It was a great fun day and we can't wait to do it again!


Happy 5th Birthday, Jaycee!

Our little birthday girl!

Good job, Sis!!!

Jackson trying out Jaycee's new chair from Amy, Kiley, and Keely!

Ma and Pa got this for Jaycee! I can't wait to start using it!

Finding her first clue in her closet!

Second clue in the hairbrush drawer in the bathroom!

Third clue under the mouse pad at the computer!

Fourth clue in Daddy's pockets!

She found it!!!

Taking it for a spin!

Loading the dump bed with rocks!

What a sweet big sis to let her brother ride along!

Jaycee, Chloe, and the sweet lady who helped them!

The girls stirring up their lip gloss!

Jaycee showing off her pink cotton candy lip gloss!

Chloe showing off her blue cotton candy lip gloss!

2 beautiful sweet and precious little girls!!!