Philippians 4:19 "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."

My husband, Farmer Dean, stood out in the front yard looking off into the distance. "What is it honey?" I called out from the front door. "I can't remember where I planted that little oak tree that Dad gave me." He fussed and fretted over the next hour wondering if our ever-visiting-neighborly deer had nibbled it down to nothing.

"Here it is!" he yelled. "I forgot I put it over here by the gazebo." He looked relieved as he put pressure on the small stake that would go in next to it, marking the spot so he would not forgot, so now we could watch that little oak tree grow.

As I stood on the back porch now watching him walk through the yard, it reminded me of a notebook I had somehow stashed away, and pleasantly forgotten. Where was it? I went inside to the bookshelf and pressed the books aside pulling out the narrow black notebook. I opened it up and breezed through the pages as I pulled out the big red ribbon that would mark the spot that represented life, change and growth. There it was. I sat down in my green comfy chair in our room, and began to walk through the memory halls of my mind.

It was five years ago and my husband and I were beginning to think we would be living apart for the rest of our lives. I had met him while working on staff at a church in the cities. My husband, a farmer of 720 acres of his grandpa's land, lived in the wonderful world of outdoors, 2 hours away from me. We married and then began the search for a job for him in the cities, so he could join me there.

One day, after living apart for almost one year, and seeing each other only on weekends, while feeling miserable without one another during the rest of the week, the phone rang. My daddy said very gently to me, "Kathy, I'm beginning to think God has another plan for you and Dean. I think He's closing the door for Dean to find a job in the cities because He needs you to let your husband be who He was meant to be...a farmer. And you, well, He will open doors for you...He knows exactly what you need...but you're going to really have to stretch yourself to believe." I breathed a silent prayer of thanks for my daddy in that moment, and realized that in those words, that moment had been marked. I continued to read my journal, and watched as our lives unfolded, flourishing and changing.

After my father called that day, I called Deano, and he came to the cities that weekend to make a plan. We chatted and ate a delicious supper of salads, biscuits, ice tea and shrimp, and then I pulled out the narrow black notebook from my purse. "Here's what we're gonna do," I began. "We're going to make a list of all the things that we are going to need God to provide, and we're going to start praying."

My husband thought I had lost my mind when he looked at the list. It included the following: selling my home, selling his small mobile home, building a house on his property, quitting my current job, finding a new job for me, moving our senior daughter to a new high school in the town where Deano lived, telling my two other children, as well as my friends, that I was leaving the cities, all while working full time jobs. "It's not possible...even for God" Deano retorted. "That's ridiculous!" I stammered. He's God and He will provide. "It's too many things, Kathy." Dean answered back. "No, this is a stretch of our faith, but He will give us exactly what we need," I said.

That supper was another marking place. A place where we would mark that spot in our lives and look back later to see what had changed and grown.

After our commitment to God and each other at that dinner setting, we watched as over the next six months, God orchestrated wild and wonderful things for us. I found a church thirty miles from my husband's home that wanted me for their worship director. I quit my position in the cities, told my family and friends, and called the small town school to get my child registered for twelfth grade. I told my friend, Dave, at our Worship Director's meeting that I needed to sell my home. Dave needed to buy it...and did. I announced to my friends I was leaving, said goodbye to my little grandma house, and we sold Deano's home to the people who placed our lovely new home on our property.

Check, Check, Check....finished. The list was complete. There was nothing left to do but take a big step onto the next part of our journey. And we did. But before we could move on, we thanked God for His miraculous provisions. And as I put a small black check next to each of the answered requests, I placed a big red ribbon in the book to mark the spot....a spot so we would never forget what God had done. As I look back at it now....I can see where it has been growing and flourishing, just as we can watch that little oak growing.

Isn't it a comfort that God cares about us? He cares about selling houses and finding jobs. He cares about changing schools and leaving friends. He cares about everything that we need and He provides when, where, and how He sees fit. Sometimes it doesn't look like what we thought it would...but I can tell you what I really know beyond a shadow of a doubt....God does provide, and it's what's best for us...always. 

When God Provides: Through Strangers

My friend, Josh Garland, had the opportunity to take a wonderful trip with his friends to Ireland. Hoping to travel and explore, while kind of "roughing it", Josh found himself in a dilemma. What happens in this life when we have problems...and no ideas on how to solve them? Listen as Josh relays what happened as told to me:

"The trip turned out completely different than I had anticipated, but it was still good. After landing in Ireland (on the very first day,) my back started giving me some problems. Initially, I was able to just deal with it...however...after couple days...my left arm was asleep, my back killed, and I couldn't even get my coat on. YIKES!!!

So, I ended up going to the chiropractor there a few times, and long story short, I was advised to stop lifting/carrying anything (ie: my 50lb pack,) ice my upper back, and be extremely careful. Turns out I have some herniated disks in my upper spine from my car accident that were never detected. BUT...when I started lugging around a 50lbs pack and hiking every day, my body kindly informed me of my backs "less than ideal" status. So, I actually split up with (my friends) Ryan and Jeff, and did my own thing for a few weeks. That way, I was able to ride buses around the country, and sleep in real beds, rather than carry my pack and hike.

It was AMAZING to see how God provided for me while I was alone. Kathy, I literally saw God work by providing for me on a daily basis. Random gifts of money from people I didn't know, and generous hospitality, etc.

But, I have to share on of my favorite stories with you. On the first day I decided to venture off on my own (Because Ryan/Jeff really wanted to do the whole backpacking/"roughing it" thing, and just couldn't with the condition of my back), I was having and awful time figuring out the bus system, my back was killing me, and I was scared stiff to be traveling "solo" in a foreign country.

After aimlessly wandering around the city for a couple hours, I was unable to even find the bus station, and my stress level was through the roof. So, I did what everyone should do in that situation...I went to a coffee shop, bought AMAZING coffee, and whipped out my Bible. Then, after about an hour, I was ready to attempt finding the bus station again.

Here's where the story gets really good. The station was only a block away from the coffee shop...wahooo! However, when I got there, I couldn't find anyone to help me purchase a ticket, and I had no idea when/if a bus would be heading to the city where I needed to go (Galway, which was about 3 hours away.)

After about 20 minutes of waiting around for someone who could help me and seeing nobody, this little old woman (who was wearing a full-length back fur coat, and a matching fur hat) walked over to me, set her little bag on the ground, and stood there silently for about a minute. Then, she looked at me, smiled, and said something to the effect of, "Well I can't have you carrying around that bag any longer. I'm heading to Dublin, and that passes through Galway. Come with me, the bus leaves in ten minutes."

(Recap: I had no idea who this little lady was, I had not told her (or anyone for that matter) that I was headed to Galway, she somehow knew that my back was messed up, and the bus leaving in ten minutes.)

She showed me how to buy a ticket, got me a discount, showed my where to put my bag, and insisted that I sit by her on the bus. She chatted with me for the next three hours, pointed out historical landmarks as we passed them, fed me snacks, and made me feel comforted. Funny things is, I really couldn't get any information about who she was out of her. In fact, all I know is that her name was "Frankie"... I don't even know her last name.

Then, when we arrived in Galway, I turned to thank her and say goodbye, but she insisted on getting off the bus to help me find my bag. After helping me find my bag, she insisted on paying for me to rent a locker where I could store my bag...then, she started walking out of the bus station and said, "You need food, and a place to stay tonight. Follow me." So, I did! She then took me to a really good restaurant, showed me around the city of Galway, and helped me find a place to stay. Next thing I knew, she was giving me a hug, said "good bye, " and literally turned around and walked away.

After reflecting on the situation, I realized that this kind little old lady (who had no clue who I was)...somehow knew where I was going, knew that I was having back problems, knew where the right bus for me was, was willing to let me sit by her on the bus, gave me money, got me food, showed me around the city, and knew of places to stay in Galway...AND...I'm pretty sure she missed her bus to Dublin as a result of helping me. God thing???? I would say YES!"

Here are a few of Josh's photos from Ireland:

God's Protection, God's Provision

When Kathy Weckwerth called me this morning and asked me to write a few sentences on how God has provided for me lately, I honestly couldn't think of anything out of the norm. It's not that God hasn't provided many things for my family.  He has provided for ALL our needs and SO much more. It's just that nothing came to mind that was worthy of note, that is until 11:21am. You see, I work as a pilot flying a small jet for a company out West and when Kathy called I was headed out on another routine flight. The first leg of the flight was uneventful with a landing at a small mountain airport (read short runway) next to a beautiful lake. After boarding our passengers and reminding them how to put on their seat-belts and what to do if that oxygen thingy drops from the ceiling, we taxied out to the runway of this non-towered (read uncontrolled) airport. As we began out take-off roll I called out "airspeed is alive"...."80 knots....cross-check"......"watch out for that red Mustang!"  Red Mustang? Sure enough, true story. As I watched, a little red mustang convertible shot out from the taxi way on our left and flew across the runway right in front of us. We were going too fast to stop but too slow to fly. It couldn't have happened at a worse time. If we aborted the take-off, there wasn't enough runway to stop and if we continued we would most certainly broadside the speeding car and crash in the lake beyond. Then at the last moment the driver looked our direction and saw our fast approaching jet. Realizing his fate, he stepped on the gas and accelerated out of the way as we climbed into the blue sky. It was way too close for comfort! If we had started our take-off roll a second or two earlier we would have met with disaster. So today God provided all the usual things and He provided Protection. The passengers sitting in the back had no idea that they were moments from Eternity, but then again, none of us ever really know do we? I couldn't be happier that Ford chose to put a V-8 in their sports cars.......and now that I think about it, I'm glad the guy wasn't driving a Geo Metro...    -  Mark

My husband recently (past 3 weeks) lost his job. And this week we received a Target gift card for groceries and a Holiday gift card for gas. We know God will care for us and is already showing us how we will be taken care of during these stressful and difficult times in ways that are tangible and spiritual.     -  Heather

God knows my heart...my husband and I have been going through a very tough time financially and have not had any opportunity to go on dates very often in the past couple of years. Our church has some Great Date nights that have come up, but we've been otherwise committed to activities, so haven't really had to the time to spend with each other and that takes its toll.

There is a Group Date event coming up that I'd wanted to attend, for dinner and a show but the tickets were not in our budget, so I took a deep breath and gave it to God. "Oh well, you know my heart, Lord, I'd really like to go to that with Lou and the amazing couples from church, but it's not Your timing...okay...."

The Group Date night is tomorrow night, and TODAY we got a call from friends of ours that cannot use their tickets, as their son has continued on in his soccer tournament. So they are gifting them to us!! God is so good and we are still free to be able to take advantage of such a lavish gift from him and our loving friends!

God knew the desire of my heart, and worked it all out so that we could have a chance to go on this date to with friends and enjoy each other's company. What a gift from Him...we are so very blessed by friends that love us, and that love flows straight through them from our Abba Father!! He is my Jehovah Jireh, my Provider...even for tickets to a fun date night with my husband!     -  Pam

What's in Your Heart?

"Thy Word have I hid in my heart..." Ps. 119:11

Scripture tells us that what's in a man's heart comes to the surface through his mouth. (Luke 6:45b ... "For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.") If your faith is deeply rooted in your heart...you will speak openly through faith, believing that God is in control. These verses will help encourage you on your faith journey.

Top 3 Bible Verses to Help You Be Faith-filled:

1. Hebrews 11:1 "The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd." 

2. Philippians 4:19 "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."

3. II Cor 9:8 "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

Back to School: What's In Your Lunch Box?

With our focus on making sure that our kids get healthy, yet fun lunches, this month's top choices for our favorite lunchbox menu, is as follows:

Ham & Cheese Pinwheels

2-7" wheat flour tortillas

6 thin slices of ham (or lean turkey)

2 Tablespoons herb flavored cream cheese spread

½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

On clean cutting board, spread out flour tortillas. Spread each tortilla with 1 T herb spread, making sure to spread evenly within 1" of edge. Layer 3 pieces of meat, per tortilla, across herb spread. Sprinkle ¼ c. cheese across top of meat. With fingers, gently roll up tortilla until a tight roll and slice in half diagonally. Wrap immediately in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator until morning.

Favorite Fruit Cup

½ cup fresh strawberries

½ cup fresh blueberries

½ cup fresh red grapes (cut in half)

2 teaspoons granulated sugar

Wash fruit and pat dry with paper towel. Cut strawberries in small chunks. Cut red grapes in halves. In small bowl, add in blueberries and gently mix. Lightly sprinkle 2 t. of granulated sugar over the fruit and mix. Store in covered container in refrigerator until morning.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick) softened

¾ cup peanut butter

¾ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs (room temp)

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

1 bag (11.5 oz) Nestle chocolate chunks

Heat oven to 375. In a medium-size bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In large mixing bowl, beat together butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add in sugars. Add 1 egg at a time, vanilla and beat til smooth. Slowly mix in the flour mixture until combined. Don't overmix. Stir in chocolate chunks with large wooden spoon. Use a medium size cookie scoop and drop out onto parchment paper on cookie sheets. Press down with fork and make a crisscross pattern. Bake at 375 for 13 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack. Take 2 cookies and place on top of one another. Wrap up with wax paper and tie with colorful ribbon. Your child will be happy they brought their lunch to school!

Combine all three recipies above to create a favorite lunch! Add a bag of baked chips, water (with a lemon slice for a fresh flavor), skim milk, or 100% juice box.

  Tips for a Great Lunch:

1. Pack lunches the night before and wrap tightly with clear plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or tight Rubbermaid -type containers with lids. Packing the night before alleviates extra morning stress.
2. Keep it Cool! Since bacteria grows between 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit, it's important to pack your lunch box with ice packs or use frozen juice boxes, or bottles of water (with lemon slice) as insulators. They will thaw by the time lunch has arrived and keep your food nice and cool.
3. Foods that don't need to keep cool: fruits, veggies, chips, jelly, mustard and pickles can all be kept at room temp.
4. Think Healthy! Use wholegrains, fruit, veggies, lean protein and use 100% juice boxes, or skim milk.
5. Look for fun lunch boxes & kids utensils to make lunch enjoyable and bright! 

For Kids: Girls' and Boys' Mackenzie Classic Lunch Bags, $22.50 at potterybarnkids.com. We Suggest you add in matching hot-cold food containers $11.99, potterybarnkids.com

For Teens: Wildkin Big Dots Lunch Box in Aqua, $17.99, target.com

For You!: 5 piece stay-fit lunch, $14.99, kmart.com

BLM's Pick: Picnic Time Milano Insulated Lunch Tote in Pink Geo Print, $19.99, walmart.com

Ice Packs from $3.99 and up, ice-ease.com

Target.com $24.99~Room Essentials Floral Comforter (matching sham $9.99)

Target.com ~lamp $39.99

Walmart.com ~Pillows $9.96

Urbanoutfitters.com~ Single Bird Hook $8.00

Framed Paris Wall Art $59.00

Paper Lanterns $12.99 pier1imports.com

Essential....Bible 

Chandra, 25, is a full-time medical-student, studying to be a Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleveland Chiropractic College of Kansas City. Recently we caught up with her to ask how a busy woman can maintain a polished, professional look that is not only time efficient, but can stand up to the soaring summer temperatures. Here's a sneak peak at what's in her makeup bag.

"When you are constantly on the go and don't have much time to invest into your daily routine, its best to keep it simple. Summer is a great time to go neutral and light, due to the fact that high humidity can undo all the effort you put into your hair and makeup.

As a college student, I don't have a ton of time or money to spend, so I find all my products at Walmart, for a one-stop, very affordable cost."

Simplify Your Life! Women's Conference

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Edgewood Family Fellowship, Cedar Rapids, IA

PURE Women's Conference (concert with Rebecca St. James)

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Calvary Community Church, St. Cloud, MN

Watch your inbox in the next month for delivery of our eBook, Pieces of Life: 12 inspiring views on living your best life, a Devotional Collection from Best Life Ministries.

Catch a glimpse of the unique pieces of the lives of our Best Life Ministries friends. You will discover personal stories and strategies that will inspire you to notice the things you think and do, day in and day out, towards stepping out and becoming the very best version of you. This collection will compel you to start living your best life today!

"I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of."     John 10:10. 

Hiding From Trouble 

by Kathy Weckwerth

Am I Just Sad or Clinically Depressed?

by Dr. Deb Peterson 

TNRPLA

by Sandra Sheih