Keeping it Real...One Sister's JourneyWelcome to my blog! No matter how you found this, God knew you'd be here today. May you absorb the message He has for you through my writing, photos, and more. I enjoy sharing hope to encourage others.
In 2011 it was through the written word, today I've learned there is more to me than just writing and speaking. I use my love of cooking with sharing and it's renewed an energy and hope within me. I look forward to sharing this with you here. Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to leave a comment on the blog or recipe that speaks to you. God is at work in all you and I each do, it's up to us to share this with others. |
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, I found this in my draft folder and was going to delete it but decided to share it with you. The words written in black are from the original draft, the purple is my update/response to the original post. This was posted at the end of June, 2013 - so eight months later...read how God is working and answering prayer.  This has been a year of change in my life. Some took my breath away, caused me to sit before passing out, and others left me speechless. Some required time to process. Others hours of work and planning. Some weren't one I welcomed or planned. Others seemed to fall gently into place. Regardless of the change, it was, and is, my reaction that truly determines the outcome of the change. With each of these different changes God placed before me during the first six months of 2013, there is always a common thread ~ prayer. Prayer, to the One, who already knew what was coming and can see beyond anything I might even dream. So who am I to second guess Him? Although I should, I did, and do. Some changes I embrace because they are ones I've dreamed of and God opened the door to make them become realities. To write a book about Heidi's kidnapping in order to help other brothers and sisters grieving required a lot of prayer, work, time, and more prayer...yet on April 3, 2013 when hope released on a day once filled with despair...thankfulness for the change illuminated the day. A change of heart, circumstance, and outlook. Amen. Learning to live without both of Ed's parents, a change that requires more attention on days like Mother's and Father's day. Summer is here and to think of the first July 23rd without a birthday party for and with his mom...change. Instead of mourning her loss that day, I think we will celebrate. Celebrate the mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, and woman of God she was. Celebrating life, not grieving it. Each holiday reminds me of her emphasis on family and togetherness, and her not there to keep us in line. lol A change of position and location through work. Not one I planned yet one I look forward to with excitement and joy. Initially, shock overcame me as I asked, "Why?" After wasting time on the question I couldn't answer, I decided to welcome a new "family" to become a part of in the upcoming school year. The best part, I get to work with a friend. A couple years ago I worked with a dear friend and we had so much fun and teased each other daily because we knew each other since childhood, so to work together was pure pleasure. I anticipate the same fun and memory making this year. This new school year has renewed an energy to teach similar to that of my first years and rekindled friendships, multiple blessings continue to bring tears of joy and thankfulness to my eyes. Our pastor and his family announce exciting things happening in their lives. This requires them to move hours away to pastor a new church. YIKES! We lost more than a pastor and his family, we said good-bye to friends. My family and church have a choice, sit around mourning the loss or getting on our knees and praying for the pastor and family God already has planned for our church. Friends are not determined by miles or the church you worship at, it's a heart, time, dedication, and choice issue. We choose to keep our friends...until we meet again. Six months after having our pastor transfer North, a new pastor and his family have moved in and made Oswego County their home. In addition to a Godly family to shepherd and lead us, the pastor's wife is a friend, one I never thought would live up the road from me. I knew her as writer and crafter first, who happened to be married to a pastor, now she is my pastor's wife. I love to see how God works. More change...illness. Without sharing too much on the blog, just know some of those the closest to me have struggled with illness this year. I pray for complete healing for my family and friends. Most continue to fight against sickness, disease, and loss while others took their last breath to join Jesus in eternity. Change...unplanned, unexpected, and often stressful. In my own strength I can't do this but in God's strength, I know I can. I might not know what to pray, but the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. One family member's health is improving after a long couple years of testing and struggles, God provided the doctor who would figure it out and lead her to a healthier her. Our loved one still has a journey before her yet things are moving forward, we're very thankful for the doctors working together and putting the patient's health first, not the "I figured it out". We continue to pray for complete healing, strength, and freedom from pain for our loved ones. This past weekend I enjoyed an Aaron Shust concert with my friend Holly and other sista's-in-Christ. It was an amazing concert. I'll close with his song, when you don't know what to ask or pray of God in times of change, ask HIM for the words to speak. He is faithful, loves you, and only has plans to prosper you. God encouraged ME through my own blog today. I had forgotten all about this blog and can hear the loss and hurt in my writing. To read it a little over six months later and to share with you of how God worked through each of these situations in ways I could only pray, and some, not even imagine. Wow! It gives me encouragement today for something weighing on our family and my heart now...God knows what it is and I pray, He answers in a mighty way. I know we can't do this on our own, only in His provision will we be able to meet our current needs. To This blog reminded me...God is always right there and sees the big picture. Thank goodness. When you slow down to listen, God will be there.
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Do you know what a snow day is? If you live in areas prone to high amounts of snow, lake effect snow storms, or ice then you can relate. A snow day is when the school district, and sometimes businesses, close due to inclement weather. Today is one of those days in our area. I was ready for school and getting ready to wake our daughter when I saw it, "Closed", scroll across the bottom of the screen.
Usually I would still be in my jammies, hoping and praying for our school's name creep across the screen but not today. We just had a week off for winter break, I didn't want another day now and plus, if we don't use the days...we get "snow days" in May. Unused days are added to our Memorial Day weekend, I'd much rather enjoy a snow day when I can weed my garden and work outside BUT as the snow continues to fall faster than it can be shoveled or plowed, I'm thankful our district superintendent's decision.
I posted my initial disappointment with the snow day decision this morning to Facebook. Some thought I was silly, others agreed, and then one of my friends shared words of wisdom with me. She wrote, "Pick something you wish you had accomplished and look at today as a gift to complete it. And ENJOY!!! Many of us wish we could stay home today!"
An aspect of my career path I forget is such a blessing. The majority still had to get out and drive in this messy weather. They still had to bundle their kiddos up and bring them out in the cold. Although this wasn't an ideal snow day by my definition, it's turned into a fabulous day. My daughter and I are enjoying some old movies, like the Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Sister Act, and even Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
A typical snow day is an "author/speaker work day" but today, it's just a day to rest.
Usually I would still be in my jammies, hoping and praying for our school's name creep across the screen but not today. We just had a week off for winter break, I didn't want another day now and plus, if we don't use the days...we get "snow days" in May. Unused days are added to our Memorial Day weekend, I'd much rather enjoy a snow day when I can weed my garden and work outside BUT as the snow continues to fall faster than it can be shoveled or plowed, I'm thankful our district superintendent's decision.
I posted my initial disappointment with the snow day decision this morning to Facebook. Some thought I was silly, others agreed, and then one of my friends shared words of wisdom with me. She wrote, "Pick something you wish you had accomplished and look at today as a gift to complete it. And ENJOY!!! Many of us wish we could stay home today!"
An aspect of my career path I forget is such a blessing. The majority still had to get out and drive in this messy weather. They still had to bundle their kiddos up and bring them out in the cold. Although this wasn't an ideal snow day by my definition, it's turned into a fabulous day. My daughter and I are enjoying some old movies, like the Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Sister Act, and even Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
A typical snow day is an "author/speaker work day" but today, it's just a day to rest.
What is your favorite "snow day" tradition?
If you could have a "snow day", what would you do?
I thought about this year's tribute and remembrance for my sister, Heidi M Allen, and realized to ask some to pray might create stress or have some thinking, "I don't know how to pray or I would." Before you give up, read today's blog...prayer is simply talking to God. | 
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| I used to think prayer was something you memorized, repeated verbatim, aloud, so your family and God know you are praying. I didn't get the intense, deep, and personal aspect of prayer. Instead I just got on my knees, said the Rosary or the Our Father and called it "daily prayer". Checked it off the list and went to bed. I was so wrong! | |
Prayer is so much more! Is it repeating memorized prayers and Scripture? It can be. Is this the only way we can pray? No. Actually, this is the very beginning. In truth, to pray is opening your heart, mind, and schedule to spend time with a friend. A time to thank God for all He is doing in your life, praise Him for the small and big things only God can do, and share requests for ways you are in need of His guidance, love, healing, provision, or whatever it might be.
Think of praying as a time to enjoy your favorite beverage with a friend. My favorite time of day is first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee. An important aspect of prayer to remember is this, God isn't a genie in a bottle or Oz. He is God. He is loving, gracious, and merciful. He always answers prayer but it's not always with a yes. (Thank goodness!) Sometimes He says No or Not right now. Regardless, He is answering.
Just like getting together with a friend, friendship is a two-way relationship. We can't simply go to God when we have a need or desire. How would you feel if the only time you heard from someone was when they were in need and wanted something from you? Friendship goes both ways, and so does the communication we have available to us with God ~ through Jesus death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit remained so we too, can talk with God. He is ready and listening.
My first prayers after Heidi's kidnapping were bouts of anger and I'm ashamed to say, temper tantrums. I never thought of this as praying. I just thought I was yelling and releasing the anger. I don't recommend "praying" in forms of yelling and anger but on some levels, this might be where some of you need to start. God already knows you're mad at Him, or misplacing your blame, or frustrated. He loves us so much, He desires to hear us let it go. His shoulders are more than strong enough to carry this for us.
On a lighter not, watch the youtube video below for the "Skinny on Prayer".
Think of praying as a time to enjoy your favorite beverage with a friend. My favorite time of day is first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee. An important aspect of prayer to remember is this, God isn't a genie in a bottle or Oz. He is God. He is loving, gracious, and merciful. He always answers prayer but it's not always with a yes. (Thank goodness!) Sometimes He says No or Not right now. Regardless, He is answering.
Just like getting together with a friend, friendship is a two-way relationship. We can't simply go to God when we have a need or desire. How would you feel if the only time you heard from someone was when they were in need and wanted something from you? Friendship goes both ways, and so does the communication we have available to us with God ~ through Jesus death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit remained so we too, can talk with God. He is ready and listening.
My first prayers after Heidi's kidnapping were bouts of anger and I'm ashamed to say, temper tantrums. I never thought of this as praying. I just thought I was yelling and releasing the anger. I don't recommend "praying" in forms of yelling and anger but on some levels, this might be where some of you need to start. God already knows you're mad at Him, or misplacing your blame, or frustrated. He loves us so much, He desires to hear us let it go. His shoulders are more than strong enough to carry this for us.
On a lighter not, watch the youtube video below for the "Skinny on Prayer".
Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —
his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
What is your definition of prayer?
42 Days of Prayer for Heidi M Allen...
In 42 days, our family, friends, and community will remember Heidi M. Allen, on the 20th anniversary of her abduction from the D & W Convenience Store in New Haven, New York. As I thought and prayed about something special to do this year, on this double decade anniversary of Heidi’s absence in our life, I wanted it to be different and special.
How can we honor her and keep the hope on the forefront, not the loss?
We are going to have 42 days of prayer for Heidi.
We know many pray for her daily, and you have done this since that tragic morning, and we thank you! We thank everyone who has lifted one, or one hundred,
or 19 years, 10 months, and 19 days to be exact. Each prayer is a blessing we count.
Will you join us at 7:42 a.m. each day to say a prayer for Heidi?
This is the time stamped for her last transaction on April 3, 1994, the last time any of us knew where Heidi was. I thought it would be a powerful prayer if we were to all pray at the same time each day…in the days leading up to April 3rd. If you're not up or don't think of it at exactly 7:42 a.m., will you life a prayer when God places Heidi on your heart.
We thank you in advance for joining us on this journey of prayer for hope, Heidi, and her return. If you would like to include prayers for my parents, family, community, or myself…of course we welcome them too but this is prayer of hope for Heidi M Allen.
How can we honor her and keep the hope on the forefront, not the loss?
We are going to have 42 days of prayer for Heidi.
We know many pray for her daily, and you have done this since that tragic morning, and we thank you! We thank everyone who has lifted one, or one hundred,
or 19 years, 10 months, and 19 days to be exact. Each prayer is a blessing we count.
Will you join us at 7:42 a.m. each day to say a prayer for Heidi?
This is the time stamped for her last transaction on April 3, 1994, the last time any of us knew where Heidi was. I thought it would be a powerful prayer if we were to all pray at the same time each day…in the days leading up to April 3rd. If you're not up or don't think of it at exactly 7:42 a.m., will you life a prayer when God places Heidi on your heart.
We thank you in advance for joining us on this journey of prayer for hope, Heidi, and her return. If you would like to include prayers for my parents, family, community, or myself…of course we welcome them too but this is prayer of hope for Heidi M Allen.
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for,
it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:19-20
God ALWAYS answers prayer!
Sometimes "yes", others "no", and sometimes "not yet"...
Know each prayer is heard and answered...
Only God knows if this is the year He will say
"Yes, here is your Heidi."
There is a direct link to the Where's Heidi? Facebook page by clicking the above photo.
I've had some ask, "What is a Facebook Party?" and "Where do I go?"
A Facebook party is a "virtual" party, held online. First you go to the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page to see the different comments, videos, and photos. Then you simply reply to the ones you want to. Typically, you post to Facebook and when someone leaves a comment, you get the notification. Comments and posts might be once a day.
Tonight I have over 20 posts ready to share, these include videos and photographs too. For two hours, it will be like having an online conversation with others who remember and hope for Heidi M Allen. Feel free to comment back and forth to each other, share with a friend or family member you think would enjoy a particular post.
You can simply "watch" the conversations and never hit "like", "share", or leave a comment too! You just need to hit the refresh (the circle near your browser) button to see new comments as they appear. You can comment to one, two, or all the posts - it's your choice. I will be posting, even if no one asks a question or posts a memory BUT when you are involved and commenting, sharing, and posting - it makes it so much more fun.
Last year there were many conversations going on and the party lasted until after 11 p.m.! I hope you'll join us!
See you soon!
A Facebook party is a "virtual" party, held online. First you go to the "Where's Heidi?" Facebook page to see the different comments, videos, and photos. Then you simply reply to the ones you want to. Typically, you post to Facebook and when someone leaves a comment, you get the notification. Comments and posts might be once a day.
Tonight I have over 20 posts ready to share, these include videos and photographs too. For two hours, it will be like having an online conversation with others who remember and hope for Heidi M Allen. Feel free to comment back and forth to each other, share with a friend or family member you think would enjoy a particular post.
You can simply "watch" the conversations and never hit "like", "share", or leave a comment too! You just need to hit the refresh (the circle near your browser) button to see new comments as they appear. You can comment to one, two, or all the posts - it's your choice. I will be posting, even if no one asks a question or posts a memory BUT when you are involved and commenting, sharing, and posting - it makes it so much more fun.
Last year there were many conversations going on and the party lasted until after 11 p.m.! I hope you'll join us!
See you soon!
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