The Greater the Sacrifice- The Greater the Blessing

Today's Truth
Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it."

Friend to Friend
My heart ached as I drove away - for the last time - from the local Christian radio station where I had served for over four years. I felt as if a knife was going into my chest. I sobbed and whispered, "God, I know I'm being obedient! Why can't you at least take away this pain?"

I once heard someone say that if you feel overwhelmed with all you have to do, you are doing something that God has not asked you to do. He never gives us more than we can handle. My life was out of control and I knew it.

I was a wife and mother of four great kids, a full-time radio host, a speaker, a writer, a fitness fanatic and an assortment of many other responsibilities. At the end of the day, I'd collapse into bed. I knew I was doing too much, but I just couldn't imagine letting any of it go! I remember thinking that if God wanted me to let go of something, He would either take away my ability to serve Him in that area, making His own plan clear to me or He would take away my passion for that plan.

But nothing was happening. Until about three weeks ago.

I was in Delaware speaking for a Ladies' Retreat. I felt as if God's hands were completely covering me, shielding me, giving me power and passion that I'd never experienced before. When the retreat was over, I remember feeling His protective hands hovering over me in power and then moving underneath me, catching me as I collapsed into the sweetest rest I have ever felt. My mentor of six years was with me and she felt it, too. I knew God was calling me to a new place of service. I prayed with my husband and we agreed that I was to move into a full time speaking and writing ministry.

Then the doubts came. What if I fail? What if I quit my radio job and then nobody knows who I am? Who am I if I'm not on the radio? That last question made me realize another reason God was calling me away from the radio station. I was beginning to find my identity in my position at the radio station -- and He wants me to find my identity only in Him. It was quite humbling.

As hard as this decision was, I knew exactly what God was asking me to do. I gave up the comfort of a job I love, a guaranteed paycheck and the exposure of a radio host position in a large radio market and I'm now walking completely in faith that I am in God's will for my life. I have peace I've never had before.

Funny thing is, I don't know what God has planned. He may never choose to make me a well-known speaker or a published writer. He may choose to show me that I am just fine right where I am. None of that matters. I only care that I'm being obedient to the One who called me! Success according to the world would have made me feel I had to stay right where I was but God's success looked much different.

Is God calling you to make a difficult decision in order to be obedient to Him? Our job on earth is not to seek success in the world's eyes, but in His. I prayed that God would ease the pain of leaving the job I loved so dearly but He chose to leave it. As I drove away, I heard His sweet voice of comfort as he whispered to my heart, "The greater the sacrifice, the greater the blessing."

Now that's success.

Let's Pray
Sweet Father, I pray that You will give me the discernment to hear Your voice in my life. When I'm feeling overwhelmed, please make clear to me what I need to sacrifice in order to be in Your perfect will. Thank You for Your hands of protection that cover me when I'm ministering and catch me when I'm spent. I pray You will be honored in my life as I seek to take up my cross daily and follow You. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now it's your turn
Is God asking you to let go of something? Do you trust Him to provide for you?
Before making a big decision in your life, make sure your husband or spiritual covering agrees. God gives us spiritual covering for this purpose -- to help us stay on track.
As you go about your busy day, remember that God never gives you more than you can handle. When we crowd our lives with "stuff" that is not from Him (although it may seem good at the time) we inadvertently push His hands away. Trust His leading and experience the freedom of walking in His will.

Taken from: Girlfriends in God

Trevor is in the News!

Check this out!

http://www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/article630951.ece

Sweet boy Trevor is famous! Isn't he already though!? We sure do love him.

Lovable Labels

You can help support Trevor's ALLSTARS and get the coolest labels in town! Remember to label your children's sippy cups, bottles, bags, jackets and just about ANYTHING you can think of for Day Care, VBS, Summer Camp and School too! They have Vital ID and Medical Wristbands as well.There is something for EVERYONE at Lovable Labels!!!

Check out Lovable Labels at the link: http://www.trevorsallstars.lovablelabels.ca/ContactUs.aspx

This is an ongoing fundraiser until the Heart Walk in November.
Please feel free to contact me directly or Leah at Lovable Labels with any questions.-- ~Sarah

Life is Short...PRAY HARD!

Keep up to date with Trevor and CHD Awareness at www.TrevorsAllstars.com

Other Deals...
PediPed is giving 50% of certain shoe sales to the Make a Wish Foundation until June 15th.
Free shipping with code CBB07http://www.pediped.com/Home/Home.aspx
Pass it on...

Our Last Class (before the summer)

We had a great time enjoying the delicious food, the gift swap and most of all- the fellowship! Here are some pictures from our great time.

What an amazing group of women! We are so blessed to get to spend our Friday mornings together studying His word.

Mother Teresa

The fruit of SILENCE is Prayer

The fruit of PRAYER is Faith

The fruit of FAITH is Love

The fruit of LOVE is Service

The Fruit of SERVICE is Peace-- Mother Teresa

Class Reminders

Greetings all. Hope you are all going to make it for our final meeting on Friday. I have just a few reminders about class.

* Please remember to bring any boxes you have filled for Operation Christmas Child.
* Bring a dish to share and your own drink for our brunch. I will provide all paper products.
* Bring a wrapped gift (no more than $10) for our gift exchange.
* Come with any ideas you have for our fall study or summer activities.

Hope to see you all on Friday. Let me know if you have any questions.

In Him,
Amanda

Boxes for Friday

Don't forget about the gift boxes for our mission project! We are collecting them on Friday. Here are some ideas to fill your boxes. If you want more information, click here: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC_PackAShoeBox.asp?OCCPath=1


Gift Ideas

TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEM
Stoothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)